Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIndependent ReportersTuesday 28 April 2026 09:00 BST16-year-olds are set to vote at the next election. These teenagers fear social media ban would leave them less educatedEducation Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated she is "open minded" regarding the scope of restrictions to be placed on children's social media use, though she insists any implemented measures must be robust enough to "stand the test of time".Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Phillipson clarified that the central question is not whether further action will be taken to protect young people, but rather "the shape of that action, what that looks like." She acknowledged the "range of views, sincerely held, from campaigners, from families, who have different views as to how we can seek to get this right."The Education Secretary reiterated her "genuinely open minded" stance, which she believes is shared by many, on the necessity for enhanced online safety for young people.She emphasised the importance of reducing harms, particularly those stemming from "the addictive nature of what young people are exposed to," while ensuring that "whatever measures we take forward, whatever shape that has, it stands the test of time, it works, and that it’s effective."To determine the most effective path forward, she explained that "there are a number of different ways in which that can be achieved," highlighting an ongoing consultation. This process aims "to hear from people how we can do that, how we can make sure that it works, and how we can do everything within our power to keep children safe."In fullGovernment promises to impose social media restrictions on under-16s: ‘The status quo cannot continue’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in