16/06/2026
With the government announcing a social media ban for under-16’s, there are numerous questions concerning how it will work, if it will work, and what issues may arise. While the government has not provided full details at this point, the government has stated that it plans to use the same model as Australia has used.
The first question to ask is simple – will the ban work? In Australia, approximately 60% of teens have found ways around the ban. While the UK’s ban is set to be stricter, the actual workability of it is a real concern. Children and teens are smart and creative. It would be naïve to think they will not try and succeed in getting around the ban. Additionally, one potentially effective way to stop it, requiring government ID, has massive privacy implications and legal problems. Another option is age verification software, but the efficacy of such software is questionable.
Implementation for the ban is scheduled for Spring 2027, so the government has time to debate details and evaluate options for workability and enforcement. Ultimately, however, the ban will be judged by the results once enacted. The existence of the ban at all is controversial, so every aspect of it will be heavily scrutinised.
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