Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a major policy pledge to ban all social media access for children under the age of 16, should the party return to power. The proposal, framed as a measure to protect young people from platforms designed to be addictive, aims to curb what she describes as tech giants profiting from children's 'anxiety' and 'distraction'.
A 'Common Sense' Approach to Online Safety
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mrs Badenoch outlined her vision for a stricter digital landscape. She stated the policy seeks to balance 'protection for children and freedom for adults', giving parents confidence that the government understands their struggles. While acknowledging that age limits would not be a perfect solution, she argued they would remove a 'critical mass' of young users from platforms she likened to a 'wild west'.
As a mother of three, Badenoch shared her own experiences, noting how social media is engineered to keep users engaged. She linked rising rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in young people to their social media use. This policy forms part of a wider Conservative strategy that includes banning mobile phones in schools and efforts to get more people into work.
Cross-Party and Union Backing for a Ban
The Tory leader's comments follow a direct call to action from the NASUWT teachers' union, which has urged the government to introduce primary legislation to ban under-16s from social media. The union's general secretary, Matt Wrack, argued that tech companies have repeatedly failed to act responsibly without being forced. A NASUWT survey of 5,800 teachers in 2025 found 81% reported an increase in violent and abusive pupil behaviour, with 59% citing social media as a key driver.
The proposal has found surprising consensus. Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, wrote on X that he agreed with much of Badenoch's analysis, suggesting parents would welcome bold, cross-party action. Former education minister Lord Nash also welcomed the 'bold move', noting support from across political parties and teaching unions.
Criticism and International Context
Not all responses have been supportive. Anna Edmundson, Head of Policy at the NSPCC, warned that a blanket ban is a 'blunt approach' that could undermine children's rights to connect and learn, potentially driving them to less regulated online spaces. She emphasised that the focus should be on holding tech companies accountable for safe design.
The UK is not alone in considering such drastic measures. Australia implemented a similar ban for under-16s in December 2025, deactivating existing accounts on major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Other nations, including China, Iran, and North Korea, enforce heavy restrictions, though often for broader political control rather than child welfare alone.
The current government, via a spokesperson, highlighted existing measures under the Online Safety Act, stating they have taken 'some of the boldest steps anywhere in the world' to mandate age-appropriate experiences online, while trying to strike a balance between protection and allowing children to benefit from the digital world.
