UK considers social media ban for kids under 16 amid growing online safety concerns

The UK government is contemplating a ban on social media for children under 16, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday citing the Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Kyle emphasized the government’s commitment to online safety, stating he would “do what it takes” to protect young people from online harm.

This potential ban is part of a broader initiative related to the Online Safety Act (OSA), which is set to enhance regulatory powers for Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. The OSA will require tech companies to implement age verification systems and take responsibility for harmful content on their platforms.

The Molly Rose Foundation, an organization focused on online safety, has expressed support for stricter regulations. The discussions around this ban reflect a growing global trend, with other countries, such as Australia, also considering similar restrictions on social media usage among minors. The UK government aims to gather more evidence on the impact of technology on youth before finalizing any policies.