UK Weighs Social Media Ban for Children, PM Starmer Warns of Risks of ‘Endless Scrolling’

London, January 20,2026 The United Kingdom is considering a possible ban on social media for children, following Australia’s recent move to restrict platform access for those under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is ready to take strong steps to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive screen time, warning that many children are being drawn into a cycle of “endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison.” The Labour government has begun examining whether certain features of social media platforms, such as infinite scrolling, should be restricted and whether the current age limits for access are appropriate. Officials said they are studying global examples, including Australia’s approach, to understand how a ban for children under a certain age could work in practice. Ministers are expected to visit Australia to learn from its experience before making any final decision. Starmer acknowledged that the issue is complex and needs careful consideration. He stressed that childhood should not involve pressure from strangers or constant judgment based on online likes. The government is also exploring stronger age verification checks and reviewing whether the existing digital age of consent is too low. Alongside this, authorities are looking at ways to limit features that encourage addictive or compulsive use of social media. The discussion comes amid growing concern worldwide about children’s mental health, online safety, and exposure to harmful content, including AI-generated material. Britain has already introduced the Online Safety Act, which has increased age checks online and reduced access to adult content. However, ministers say more needs to be done. The government plans to release clear, evidence-based screen time guidelines for parents of children aged 5 to 16, with separate advice for younger children expected later this year. UK Considers Tough Social Media Rules for Children After Australia’s Ban The United Kingdom is exploring the idea of restricting social media access for children, inspired by Australia’s recent decision to ban platforms for users under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is willing to take firm action to protect young minds, warning that unchecked screen time is pulling children into constant scrolling, stress and unhealthy comparisons. The Labour government has started reviewing how social media works and whether certain features, such as endless scrolling, should be limited. It is also looking at the right age for children to join social platforms. Officials said evidence from other countries will be studied closely, and ministers are set to visit Australia to understand how such a ban has been planned and enforced. Starmer said the issue needs careful thought but made it clear that children’s safety comes first. He said growing up should not mean being judged online or feeling pressured to chase likes. Along with a possible ban, the government is considering stronger age checks and changes to the current digital age of consent, as well as steps to reduce addictive platform designs. The move comes as global concern rises over the impact of social media and AI-driven content on children’s mental health. The UK has already enforced the Online Safety Act, which has improved age checks and reduced access to harmful content. Still, the government says this is only a start and plans to issue clear screen time guidance for parents, covering children aged 5 to 16, with separate advice for younger kids coming soon.