UK publishes first social media age restrictions, backed by 90% of parents

The UK government released a fact sheet on 15 June setting out proposals to restrict children's access to social media, including livestreaming bans and limitations on stranger contact. Currently, no minimum age for social media access exists in UK law. A March 2026 consultation found nine in ten parents support a ban for under-16s. The proposals follow trials with teenagers and align with comparable restrictions rolling out across Australia and Europe.