Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is actively considering whether to introduce an Australian-style ban on social media access for children under the age of 16 in the UK. This follows the landmark legislation enacted in Australia, which has placed the country at the forefront of a global debate on protecting young people online.
Monitoring the Australian Experiment
The world-first law in Australia, introduced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on December 10, prohibits children under 16 from accessing major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, Kick, and Threads. Social media companies now face staggering fines of up to £25 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to identify and remove accounts belonging to minors.
While Sir Keir had previously expressed a personal reluctance towards such a ban for teenagers, Downing Street has confirmed it is now "closely monitoring" the policy's implementation and outcomes. Discussions have reportedly begun between the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall about the potential for similar legislation if the Australian model proves successful.
Cabinet Debate and Enforcement Concerns
The potential move has sparked a nuanced debate within the Labour cabinet. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has challenged his party to "think much more radically" about online safety, describing social media as a "place of bullying, intimidation, sometimes misogyny, even radicalisation." He highlighted the stark contrast between the ease with which children can access extreme content online and the strict age checks for films at cinemas.
However, significant reservations remain. Cultural Secretary Lisa Nandy admitted the government is examining the ban but has voiced clear concerns over its "enforceability." Meanwhile, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has signalled her opposition, emphasising the need for balance. She argued that while harmful content must be tackled, a blanket ban could leave teenagers unprepared for the digital world and potentially isolate vulnerable young people.
Government's Cautious Stance
A Government spokesperson reiterated a commitment to online safety while underscoring a cautious, evidence-based approach. The statement acknowledged parents' deep concerns and highlighted the "boldest steps globally" already taken to ensure age-appropriate content.
"It's important we protect children while letting them benefit safely from the digital world, without cutting off essential services or isolating the most vulnerable," the spokesperson said. "The Government is closely monitoring Australia's approach... When it comes to children's safety, nothing is off the table, but any action must be based on robust evidence."
As Australia navigates what Prime Minister Albanese called "one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced," the UK government is watching intently. The decision for Britain will hinge on the evidence from the Southern Hemisphere and the ongoing internal debate between the imperative to safeguard children and the practical challenges of implementing such a profound digital restriction.
