The UK Wants to Ban Social Media for Under 16s. What Does That Mean for Parents?

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill has been ping-ponging between the Commons and the Lords since January 2026. The Lords want a full social media ban for under 16s. The Commons keep voting it down and proposing something softer: giving the government power to force platforms to restrict features for children instead.

Meanwhile, the government launched a public consultation in March asking whether there should be a minimum age for social media. It closes 26 May 2026. Australia already banned under 16s from social media in December 2025, and the UK is watching closely.

Why it matters

The research is stacking up fast:

• Children on screens 2+ hours a day are 51% more likely to develop concentration difficulties (2025 study)
• The Mental Health Foundation has linked excessive social media to increased depression and anxiety in young people
• Algorithmic content promoting self-harm and eating disorders has made this urgent, not optional

That said, some young people rely on online communities for support. A blanket ban could push kids onto less regulated platforms. It's not straightforward.

What you can do right now

Legislation moves slowly. Your child's iPad does not.

Whatever Parliament decides, it won't solve the daily reality of managing screen time at home. That's why we built Learning Block. Your child completes a short curriculum-aligned maths quiz, then they earn their iPad time. It's locked at OS level until the quiz is done. No workarounds, no arguments.

Don't wait for a law to fix this. Set the rules in your own home, make screen time earned, and give your child a reason to do some maths before they open YouTube. That's a win regardless of what happens in Westminster.