The rules around children and social media are heading for a major change in the UK.
The government says it plans to ban social media for children under 16. It also wants stronger restrictions on some online features for under-18s.
What has the government announced?
Updated government guidance says the UK plans to use a model similar to Australia’s approach. The government names Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and X when it explains the model.
However, the final legal detail and implementation will determine exactly which services and features fall within the rules. So, parents should not treat the announcement as an instant switch-off today.
It is not only about social media
The plans also look at risky features on other online services. For under-18s, the government says it wants restrictions around features such as livestreaming and strangers contacting children.
Why is the UK making the change?
The government ran a national consultation from March to May 2026. It says nine in ten parents who responded backed a social media ban for under-16s.
Meanwhile, regulators continue to focus on children’s data. On 24 September, the ICO confirmed that TikTok had withdrawn appeals linked to a £12.7 million fine first imposed in 2023 over children’s privacy failures.
What should parents do now?
First, check which services your child uses. Next, review privacy settings and who can contact them. Then talk about why rules may change.
A ban can change access. However, it cannot teach every digital skill a child needs. Children still need to recognise scams, manipulative content and unwanted contact. They also need to know they can tell an adult when something feels wrong.
