Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a major policy proposal, stating her party would introduce a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16 if they were in government.
Protecting Children from 'Addictive' Platforms
In an interview on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Badenoch argued that social media platforms profit from children's "anxiety" and "distraction". She described the services as being "designed to be addictive" and labelled the internet a "wild west" for young users.
The Tory leader, a mother-of-three, stated the policy aimed to achieve "protection for children and freedom for adults". She acknowledged that age limits would not completely stop access but would remove a "critical mass" of children from the platforms.
Cross-Party and Union Backing for Action
The proposal follows significant pressure from teaching unions. The NASUWT has called for legislation to force big tech firms to prevent child access. In a 2025 survey of 5,800 teachers, 81% reported a rise in violent and abusive pupil behaviour, with 59% linking it to social media use.
In a separate poll, 89% of NASUWT members said they would support a statutory ban for under-16s. The union's general secretary, Matt Wrack, argued companies have shown they "will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so".
Notably, the idea has garnered support beyond Conservative ranks. Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, wrote on X that parents would welcome a "cross-party consensus around much bolder action". Former education minister Lord Nash also welcomed the "bold move".
International Precedent and Implementation Plans
The policy takes inspiration from international measures. In Australia, a social media ban for under-16s came into force in December last year.
The Conservatives stated that tech firms like TikTok and Snapchat would be required to implement robust age verification checks. Crucially, these checks would not rely on a government digital ID system.
Badenoch framed the ban as part of a wider strategy, stating: "All of this is linked with our wider strategy, banning phones in schools, getting people into work. All of these are bricks that are going to build up our policy wall."
However, the proposal has its critics. Anna Edmundson of the NSPCC warned a blanket ban is a "blunt approach" that could undermine young people's rights and drive them to riskier, unregulated spaces online.
The current Government, responding through a spokesperson, highlighted existing Online Safety Act measures and said it was striking the right balance between protection and allowing children to benefit safely from the digital world.
