A social media ban for those under 16 in the UK could come into effect.
The government is launching a wide-ranging consultation on children’s online safety and wellbeing, as ministers weigh new measures to limit the impact of mobile phones and social media on young people.
The proposals come as the UK looks closely at international approaches, including Australia’s landmark ban on social media for under-16s, which came into force in December.
Under the Australian rules, platforms such as Meta, TikTok and YouTube are required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teenagers holding accounts, with potential fines of up to A$49.5 million (£24.6m) for non-compliance.
The policy is already facing legal challenge, with Reddit filing a case in Australia’s High Court arguing the ban unlawfully interferes with implied constitutional protections and that Reddit should be exempt under the law’s definition of social media.
The review will look at options including raising the digital age of consent, introducing “phone curfews”, restricting potentially addictive features such as infinite scrolling and “streaks”, as well as assessing whether a social media ban for children could be effective.
However, a decision to fully remove under-16s’ ability to use social media could be met with backlash.
Alongside the consultation, the government said it will take immediate action in schools by tightening guidance to make them “phone-free by default”.
Ofsted will be instructed to check schools’ mobile phone policies during every inspection, with a focus on how well bans are enforced during lessons, break times and lunch.
The move comes amid concerns that children are spending too much time on devices.
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Ministers pointed to survey data suggesting that while most schools have policies in place, phones remain a frequent distraction, with a majority of secondary pupils reporting that mobiles are used without permission during lessons.
As part of the package, the government will also issue updated screen time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16, adding to guidance for under-fives due in April.
A nationwide series of events will gather views from parents, young people and civil society, with the government expected to respond to the consultation in the summer.
“Through the Online Safety Act, this government has already taken clear, concrete steps to deliver a safer online world for our children and young people,” said Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall.
“These laws were never meant to be the end point, and we know parents still have serious concerns. That is why I am prepared to take further action.
“Technology has huge potential – to create jobs, transform public services, and improve lives. But we will only seize on that potential if people know they and their children are safe online.
“We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them – and to give every child the childhood they deserve.”
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, added: “We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools but now we’re going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts.
“Our Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools that are struggling to effectively implement phone bans so all our children can learn in phone-free environments.
“This comes alongside our world-leading curriculum reforms which will ensure children build the media and digital literacy skills needed to thrive at work and throughout life.”