Australia and UK Move Toward Social‑Media Bans for Under‑16s

Australia enacted the world’s first ban on social‑media platforms for users under 16 on 10 December 2025, removing services such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and others for minors. The policy is being watched internationally as governments consider similar measures.

In the United Kingdom, the government announced a consultation on a potential ban for under‑16s and launched a national conversation to gather views from parents, youths and the public. The House of Lords subsequently voted on an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would give the government a year to decide which platforms must be blocked for under‑16s and impose stringent age‑verification requirements. The amendment received cross‑party support. Actor Hugh Grant praised the proposal, saying parents are in an “impossible position” regarding online safety.

The debate over youth‑focused digital detox has also spurred niche product launches, such as the Commodore Callback 8020 flip‑phone, marketed as a device without social‑media apps to help users avoid online addiction.