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2h ago

UK Tests Teen Social Media Limits After Australia’s Under‑16 Ban Shows Mixed Early Effects

The pilot signals a shift toward gathering hard evidence on age rules with close attention to privacy risks.

Students Dua, 16 and Awand, 17, from Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon pose holding their mobile phones during an interview and discussion with Reuters about their thoughts on a social media ban for under 16s, in London, Britain, February 23, 2026, REUTERS/Katie Collins/File Photo
Students from Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon take part in an interview and discussion with Reuters about their thoughts on a social media ban for under 16s, in London, Britain, February 23, 2026, REUTERS/Katie Collins
Image
An Australian schoolgirl walking amongst a group of kids uses a smartphone while crossing a street in Sydney in December, when Australia enacted its social media ban for users under 16.

Overview

  • Britain’s science and tech department launched a six‑week trial with 300 teenagers to test bans, one‑hour daily caps, and nighttime curfews on apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
  • Australia’s national under‑16 social media ban took effect on December 10, 2025, setting the template many governments are now studying.
  • Platforms told Australia’s eSafety Commission they removed 4.7 million under‑16 accounts, though the tally likely includes duplicates and inactive profiles and youths are finding ways around checks.
  • A YouGov poll reported many parents saw short‑term gains such as more face‑to‑face time, yet others noticed moves to lesser‑regulated apps and less online peer support.
  • Longer studies are now in motion, including an eSafety–Stanford cohort tracking over 4,000 youths and a Bradford trial of about 4,000 pupils, while free‑speech advocates warn ID or biometric age checks could erode online anonymity.