MDDI's Response to PQ on Addressing Broader Issue of Under-16s' Social Media Addiction

Parliament Sitting on 7 July 2026

Question for Oral Answer

*34 Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in light of the UK's decision to ban social media for under-16s (a) whether there are plans to address the broader issue of online addiction caused by social media on under-16s beyond measures taken to mitigate specific online harms; and (b) whether the Ministry will reconsider imposing a similar ban to send a strong signal for change.

Answer

The Government is committed to keeping children safe online. We have announced plans to extend age assurance requirements to Designated Social Media Services, including requiring platforms to keep users under 13 off their services.

For older children, we are exploring how to make social media platforms safer by requiring age-appropriate experiences and safeguards. Platforms that are unwilling to do so will be excluded from serving this group of users.

Beyond regulation, we will continue to support parents and work with platforms and the wider community to foster healthy digital habits among children.

*Converted to written answer