Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that 'all options are on the table' regarding a potential ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. This marks a significant shift in the government's approach, moving closer to emulating a landmark law that came into effect in Australia last month.
A Change of Heart on Digital Protection
Speaking during a visit to Scotland on January 16, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasised the urgent need to shield young people from online harms. He stated his government is actively examining the Australian model, which restricts social media use to those aged 16 and over, but is not limiting its considerations to that single policy.
'We need to better protect children from social media,' Sir Keir said. He confirmed the government is looking at 'all options on the table in relation to what further protections we can put in place, whether that’s under-16s on social media.'
This represents a notable evolution from his previously hesitant stance, which had been informed by warnings that such bans could drive teenagers towards less regulated and more dangerous platforms.
Broad Concerns Over Screen Time and Campaigner Pressure
The Prime Minister also highlighted a separate but related concern regarding excessive screen time for very young children. He pointed out that his is the first government to take action on this issue, citing instances of four-year-olds arriving at school reception having spent 'far too much time on screen.'
Campaign groups have significantly increased their lobbying efforts in recent days. The organisation Smartphone Free Childhood urged the public to contact their local MPs using a prepared template calling for 'reasonable, age appropriate boundaries.'
The campaign's co-founder, Joe Ryrie, reported that over 100,000 people have since emailed their representatives, with some MPs receiving more than a thousand messages from constituents on the issue.
Ministerial Warnings and Australian Lessons
Health Secretary Wes Streeting offered a stark analogy for the current situation, comparing unrestricted smartphone access for young children to giving a 'nursery or primary school child a box of nails and leaving them unattended with it.'
While acknowledging the positive connections social media can foster, Streeting told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that children are simultaneously exposed to 'really sinister, extreme stuff' online.
The potential UK move follows the world-first legislation enacted in Australia. However, reports from the country indicate that teenagers quickly found ways to circumvent the new age verification tools, highlighting the practical challenges of enforcing such a ban.
The government's renewed focus comes amid broader technological headaches for Sir Keir, including recent controversies involving AI-generated content. The final decision on whether to implement a social media age restriction remains pending as consultations and reviews of international evidence continue.
