**UK Government Launches Consultation on Potential Under-16 Social Media Ban**
**LONDON, UK** – The UK government has initiated a three-month public consultation seeking views on a potential ban for under-16s from social media platforms. The move underscores growing concerns among policymakers about the impact of social media on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
The consultation, announced today, invites a wide range of stakeholders—including parents, educators, tech companies, children’s advocates, and the general public—to provide their perspectives on various measures aimed at protecting children online. This includes exploring the feasibility and implications of a total ban for those under the age of 16.
For the next three months, discussions will focus on understanding the benefits and potential drawbacks of such a policy, as well as examining alternative or complementary strategies to safeguard young people in the digital sphere. Key areas of consideration are expected to include age verification technologies, parental controls, educational initiatives, and the responsibilities of social media companies themselves.
The consultation period will gather crucial evidence and diverse viewpoints that will inform future policy decisions. This initiative reflects a broader international debate on how to best regulate online environments to mitigate risks to minors, particularly concerning exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the UK’s approach to online safety and child protection in the years to come.
