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UK Mulls Australia-Like Social Media Ban For Users Under 16 (engadget.com)

(Tuesday January 20, 2026 @10:30PM (BeauHD) from the follow-the-leader dept.)


The UK government has launched a public consultation on [1]whether to ban social media use for children under 16 , drawing inspiration from Australia's [2]recently enacted age-based restrictions. "It would also explore how to enforce that limit, how to limit tech companies from being able to access children's data and how to limit 'infinite scrolling,' as well as access to addictive online tools," reports Engadget. "In addition to seeking feedback from parents and young people themselves, the country's ministers are going to visit Australia to see the effects of the country's social media ban for kids, according to [3]Financial Times ."



[1] https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-uk-is-mulling-an-australia-like-social-media-ban-for-users-under-16-130000446.html

[2] https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/12/09/2112230/millions-of-australian-teens-lose-access-to-social-media-as-ban-takes-effect

[3] https://www.ft.com/content/15298c8c-d937-419c-8c9d-191589302704


Wait 2-3 years (Score:1)

by davidwr ( 791652 )

See what problems the Aussie ban solves, and see what new problems it creates.

Then you can make a much more informed decision.

Re: Wait 2-3 years (Score:2)

by liqu1d ( 4349325 )

This is the UK gov we're not interested in solving things just headlines.

Unexpected boon for Apple (Score:1)

by mykro76 ( 1137341 )

Aussie with a 13yo. Snapchat successfully kicked off most of that age cohort in December, and they reverted to using iMessage to stay in touch. They resisted switching to other platforms such as Messenger or Whatsapp. The kids from Android homes were left out in the cold, so much so that they would rather spend all their pocket money on a refurbished 13/14 rather than be given a free Android phone. The problem is, parents without their own Apple device cannot set up Family Sharing, leaving the kid essent

Re: (Score:2)

by sg_oneill ( 159032 )

Yeah I'm not quite sure what to make of it. According to a friend of mine, his 13yo hasnt even been affected, it straight up hasnt asked his age yet.

The concept is solid imho. We DO need kids spending more time running about , getting fit and socializing with other kids. climbing trees, kicking footballs, figuring out how to talk to girls, all that good childhood and teens shit.

I'm just not convinced this is the right way to get there. I'd have prefered time limits. An hour or two screen time a day like the

US needs to do the same (Score:1)

by anoncoward69 ( 6496862 )

Kids these days are like zombies if they aren't glued to their screen. Ban or extremely limit their use of the devices and encourage face to face play with the neighborhood kids.

Re: (Score:2)

by Valgrus Thunderaxe ( 8769977 )

encourage face to face play with the neighborhood kids.

They could get tetanus.

Re: US needs to do the same (Score:2)

by conradp ( 154683 )

Yes, parents should take some responsibility and limit their kids' screen time if they want to raise responsible humans.

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and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
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