UK Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Children

Jan. 15, 2026, 9:07 AM UTC

The UK is considering following Australia in imposing a social media ban for children under 16 years old, amid growing calls for restrictions to protect vulnerable younger users.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Thursday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is encouraging debate on whether to impose an online ban for young people, following a report in the Sun that he has ordered officials to examine how Australia’s own exclusion is working.

“I’m certainly in favor of action in this area,” Streeting told Sky News, pointing to his own concerns about the impact of social media on the wellbeing and cognitive ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading:

See Breaking News in Context

Bloomberg Law provides trusted coverage of current events enhanced with legal analysis.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources.