The UK government will launch a formal consultation next week to strengthen children’s online safety, focusing on risks from AI chatbots and tools like direct messaging, stranger-pairing, and live streaming.

Ofcom data shows broad youth engagement with livestreaming apps, with about 57% of 3-17 year-olds and roughly 80% of 13-15 year-olds having used livestreaming, highlighting the scale of online spaces where risks can occur.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says the review will assess measures across all online spaces to protect children during rapid technological change.

Supporters argue banning or restricting access would cut exposure to harmful content and time-wasting features, citing models used in Australia as a protective precedent.

Australia has already banned under-16s from social media (as of late 2025), with penalties for platforms; Spain and France have pledged similar moves, while Portugal weighs age-verification for ages 13-16.

A senior government figure hints that a ban could be pursued for political signaling to industry, even if universal enforcement remains uncertain.

The Conservative Party advocates for banning under-16s from social media and removing phones from schools to bolster childhood wellbeing.

Although the Online Safety Act began full effect in March 2025, campaigners say platforms still operate with impunity without tougher measures.

A February 26, 2026 briefing presents arguments for and against restricting under-16s’ social media access, building on Online Safety Act 2023 provisions.

There is growing political momentum to back a ban as the clearest path to protecting young people online, despite earlier doubts about effectiveness and enforcement.

Supporters from Labour backbenches and the Conservatives argue decisive intervention is needed to shield under-16s from harmful content.

Advocates push for safety-by-design, stronger content controls, and enforcement at the source, while warning against blocking essential services or hindering vulnerable users.