The UK is thinking about stopping children under 16 from using social media, similar to what Australia is planning. UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said this idea is being considered to make the internet safer for kids.

Kyle told the BBC that he is dedicated to keeping children safe online and will do whatever is needed to protect them. However, he also said more studies are needed to understand how things like smartphones and social media affect young people.

Focus on online safety

Kyle said there is currently “no firm, peer-reviewed evidence" on the effects of technology on youth. He sent a letter of intent to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, urging the use of its powers under the new Online Safety Act (OSA).

The Online Safety Act (OSA) makes it mandatory for tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and X to be more responsible for removing harmful content, especially content that affects children. If they don’t follow these rules, they could be fined a lot of money.

Kyle mentioned that while a social media ban for under-16s is a possibility, he wants more evidence before taking any final steps. “I just want to make sure that Ofcom knows that the government expects them to be used," he added.

Reactions to the proposal

Social media platforms are already making changes to follow the new Online Safety Act. For example, Instagram has added special features for teen accounts, and Roblox has stopped young children from sending messages to others.

Critics, however, believe these measures are insufficient. Iona Silverman, a legal expert, said that banning social media for under-16s is like “a drop in an ocean-sized problem." She urged the government to think bigger and take a more comprehensive approach, calling for cultural and legislative changes to address the issue effectively.

Australia’s proposed ban for children under 16 is set to be introduced in Parliament soon, with an age limit expected to take effect a year after the law is passed. However, over 140 experts recently opposed the plan, calling it “too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively."