Britain has launched a three-month consultation on whether to ban social media access for under-16s, seeking input from parents and children on potential restrictions. The government is exploring measures ranging from minimum age requirements to bans on addictive design features and overnight curfews for teenagers.

This move follows Australia's December decision to ban social media for under-16s, as governments worldwide grapple with the mental health impacts of digital platforms. Technology Minister Liz Kendall emphasized that parents are struggling with screen time decisions and the effects of online content on their children.

The consultation will include real-world pilots with families to test how restrictions might work in practice. The government will also examine whether children should interact with AI chatbots without limits and how age-verification rules could be strengthened. Separately, Britain is preparing stricter rules requiring tech companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face fines up to 10% of global revenue.