The UK Conservative Party has proposed a policy to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. The proposal, framed as a measure to protect childhood, cites concerns over the impact of social platforms on youth mental health, anxiety, and social dynamics within schools.
Party figures, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, have previously called for age restrictions, arguing that social media can be harmful to young people's wellbeing. The policy forms part of the Conservative manifesto ahead of the next general election, positioning child online safety as a key political issue.
Critics, including some tech industry representatives and digital rights groups, argue that such a ban would be difficult to enforce and could limit beneficial online connections and educational resources. They advocate for improved digital literacy education and parental controls instead of an outright prohibition.
The debate reflects ongoing global concerns about children's online safety, with other countries exploring similar legislative measures. The UK's Online Safety Act, which became law in 2023, already places a duty of care on tech companies to protect minors from harmful content.
