Separated parents who share a child are being urged to act immediately as a new ban on social media for under-16s is set to be implemented from 2027. The ban, announced on June 15, 2026, follows a government consultation on improving children's relationship with mobile phones and social media, and is expected to be in place by early 2027.
How the Ban Works and Its Enforcement
The enforcement of the ban falls onto each social media platform. The government has confirmed there is no penalty for parents whose children find workarounds, and there are no direct legal consequences for parents who allow access. However, parents could be affected in court if their children are seen using social media, watching livestreams, or communicating with strangers in online games.
Legal Implications for Separated Parents
Emily Watson, Executive Partner and Children Arbitrator at family law firm Rayden Solicitors, explained that separated parents should act now to avoid disagreements. Watson, who has practised family law exclusively since 2002, said: "For separated parents, the question of what happens when you and your ex have completely different approaches can tread into legal territory, depending on how it's handled. The courts operate under the Children Act 1989, where the child's welfare is always the priority. The government has now legislated on the basis that social media is harmful to under-16s."
Watson added: "What this means is that a parent's approach to their child's digital life is increasingly something courts are likely to focus on, and if one parent dismisses those concerns, they may find that reflects poorly on them in child arrangement proceedings."
Advice for Separated Parents Ahead of the Ban
Watson urged separated parents to have a conversation and come to a written agreement as soon as possible. She said: "Whatever your family situation, it's worth beginning to have conversations sooner rather than later. This will be much easier before the regulations land than after a disagreement has already happened. Think about what your approach is going to be, aim for consistency between parents, and if you share parental responsibility with someone you're no longer with, try to reach a written agreement that covers the details ahead of the ban coming into force."
She concluded: "If you can't agree, I'd recommend taking legal advice. Courts will increasingly expect both parents to take a child's digital welfare seriously, and this legislation has made it very hard to argue that social media access for an under-16 is anything other than a significant decision."
