Should social media be banned for children under 16?
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold a one-off evidence session exploring whether the Government should ban access to social media for under 16s.
This evidence session follows the recent launch of the Government's consultation on measures to keep children safe online, which includes a potential ban on social media for under 16s.
In the first panel, the cross-party committee will hear from Health Professionals for Online Safety and Parentkind, exploring evidence in favour of a ban. Questions may investigate views and experiences of parents and children and what a potential ban could achieve that other measures would not.
MPs will then hear from experts who argue against a ban, exploring possible negative consequences and the implications of introducing more age verification requirements. They could also discuss alternatives to the ban, proposals to raising the age of digital consent and whether a ban could conflict with rights of children.
Meeting details
Australia’s social media ban for under 16's came into force in December 2025. In the third panel, the committee will hear from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and academics about Australia’s experience of the ban so far and how it will be evaluated.