Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChristopher McKeonSunday 31 May 2026 10:17 BSTMolly Russell's father urges Starmer to 'follow the evidence' stop harm reaching children on social mediaThe UK government is actively considering new social media restrictions for children under 16, following a public consultation that garnered over 80,000 responses.Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that an Australian-style ban, which would prevent under-16s from holding social media accounts, is "definitely on the table," noting that nine in 10 parents supported such measures.Beyond a potential ban, the consultation also explored alternative options, including implementing app curfews and imposing limits on platforms' more addictive features to safeguard young users.Both Sir Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister are expected to announce further actions on social media regulation in the near future, with the Prime Minister's plans anticipated ahead of the Makerfield by-election.Scotland's children's commissioner, Nicola Killean, raised concerns about the effectiveness of a blanket ban, suggesting it might not address underlying issues like exploitative algorithms and could inappropriately shift responsibility from platforms to children.In fullSocial media ban ‘on the table’ after parents overwhelmingly back Australian-style restrictionsThank 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