Government ban on social media to be for under 13s only

Any government ban on social media that is introduced should be for under 13s only. We want people 13+ to be able to use social media. Not just 16+, as we believe 13 is reasonable as you are officially a teen and responsible for yourself.

The government would like to thank all those who signed the e-petition on this important issue.

Every child deserves a childhood shaped by friendships, curiosity, play and love. A childhood where they feel safe, supported, and free to explore who they are. Where they can try new things, build confidence, make friends and feel they belong. That is the childhood every parent and carer wants for their child. It is the childhood every child deserves. Technology can be part of that - but for too long, the balance has been wrong.

That is why the government launched our consultation on growing up in the online world. More than 116,000 people responded - 54,000 parents, 14,000 children, charities, teachers' organisations, medical professionals, the police, industry, academia and parliamentarians. Nine out of ten parents who responded to the consultation agreed with social media platforms being restricted from offering their services to under-16s. Two thirds of children who responded to the consultation told us that they would support age restrictions for under 16s on at least some social media.

What we heard through our consultation is that social media is causing real harm and up and down the country. It is affecting children's mental health, their sleep, their concentration and their self-esteem. In the absolute worst cases, it is exposing them to self-harm, grooming, exploitation and abuse.

We have heard the views of those, including the signatories of this e-petition, who believe the right age should be 13 rather than 16. We recognise that for many teenagers, social media is a key part of how they stay in touch with friends, share interests and feel part of a wider community, and that 13 has historically been the minimum age used by many platforms themselves. As part of the consultation, respondents were asked whether they would support setting a minimum age of access for social media services and whether they supported a minimum age of 16, as well as some alternative ages. Of the 21,828 responses to this set of questions only 1,131 (5%) selected 13, while the majority supported 16 specifically.

Moreover, following discussions and correspondence with parents, children, and professionals working with children, it is clear that the harms do not stop at 13.

The government has listened and we are acting. We will restrict social media companies from offering their services to under-16s. We will restrict some harmful functionalities - including livestreaming and stranger communication - across a wider range of services, including gaming platforms for under 16s. We will also require AI chatbots to prevent children under 18 from accessing features that are specifically designed to enable sexually explicit interaction.

The government recognises that this change will be difficult for children who are already accustomed to social media being part of their daily lives, including teenagers aged 13 and over. However, children under 16 will still be able to benefit from safe and positive online spaces. They will continue to have access to the internet, age appropriate online spaces, gaming services, and messaging with family and friends. Some services may choose to redesign themselves to be compliant with the new laws and government has been clear that it would welcome more bespoke online offerings for under 16s.

Alongside this, the government is clear that childhood should be shaped as much by what happens offline as by what happens online. That is why, and alongside these protections, the government is working across departments to expand access to educational and enriching opportunities. This includes sport, music, the arts, volunteering, clubs and other activities that enable children to develop their interests, form lasting friendships and build a stronger sense of belonging. We are also providing parents with the support they have long called for.

This is not the end of the government's work in this area. Further measures will be brought forward in July, and as technology continues to evolve, the government remains prepared to take additional action where necessary. The protections outlined above mark a bold and significant step towards delivering a safer and healthier online environment for children and for the generations to come.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology