A recent survey reveals that a majority of voters in the UK are in favor of implementing an Australia-style prohibition on social media access for children under the age of 16. This comes after Australia enforced restrictions on various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch for millions of young users. According to a Mirror poll, 64% of the public supports a similar ban for under-16s, while only 19% oppose the idea.
Joani Reid, a Scottish Labour MP and Chair of the Children’s Online Safety APPG, has raised concerns about the current situation, stating that the existing approach is failing children. She emphasized that the public is ahead of the political discourse on this matter and parents are increasingly aware of the negative impacts of unregulated social media on children, advocating for decisive action.
Advocates for the ban argue that it is not about punishment but rather a crucial measure for safeguarding children, establishing boundaries, and providing them with a healthier environment to grow without the constant pressures of the online world. The dangers associated with minors accessing social media have been highlighted by various incidents, including the tragic case of Molly Russell, a teenager who took her own life after exposure to harmful online content.
Although there have been proposals to restrict social media access for teenagers, with concerns raised by figures like Brianna Ghey’s mother and Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister, the government has not committed to a blanket ban. Labour MP Jess Asato stressed the urgent need to address the harms linked to social media, citing risks such as mental health issues, exposure to violent content, and physical impacts on children.
While some, like Keir Starmer, have expressed reservations about a ban, others, including Daisy Greenwell and various MPs, believe that the UK should consider following Australia’s lead to protect children from the negative effects of unregulated social media. The NSPCC has cautioned against blanket bans, emphasizing the importance of balancing protection with teenagers’ rights and not driving them towards unmonitored online spaces.
In response to the survey findings, a Government spokesperson clarified that there are no immediate plans for a widespread ban but highlighted the UK’s proactive steps in ensuring age-appropriate online content under the Online Safety Act. The government aims to strike a balance between shielding children from harm while enabling them to safely navigate the digital landscape.
The survey conducted by Deltapoll involved 1,997 British adults and took place online from December 16th to December 18th, 2025, with data weighted to represent the overall British adult population accurately.