As the UK government grapples with the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has invited leading advocate Jonathan Haidt to address officials on the prospect of banning social media for under-16s. This move comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed openness to stricter limits on young people’s access to social platforms, mirroring a landmark policy introduced in Australia at the start of this year.
Haidt, the bestselling author of “Anxious Generation,” has emerged as a prominent global activist for tighter regulations, including outright bans on social media for minors and restrictions on smartphone use in schools. His invitation to speak to UK policymakers reflects a growing consensus in Westminster around the need for stronger action to protect young people from the potential harms of social media.
The push for a social media ban has gained momentum in the wake of the controversy over X’s AI tool, which allowed users to generate sexualised images of women and children. This incident has further fuelled calls for robust measures to safeguard vulnerable young people online.
While some government ministers are enthusiastic supporters of curbing social media access, others have expressed concerns about the practicalities of implementation and the potential unintended consequences, such as driving young people towards the “dark web.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy are among those who have voiced reservations about an outright ban.
The government is closely examining the details of Australia’s new policy, which came into effect at the beginning of 2026. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is also understood to be looking into the Australian approach, although she has not yet commissioned a dedicated team to assess it.
Charities like the NSPCC have warned that a blanket ban could backfire, potentially pushing young people towards more harmful online spaces and undermining efforts to teach them responsible social media use. This concern is shared by some Labour peers, who are reportedly considering supporting a Conservative-led attempt to amend the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to include a ban for under-16s.
As the government navigates this complex issue, the invitation to Jonathan Haidt and the ongoing examination of the Australian model suggest that the UK is seriously considering following in its footsteps and implementing a social media ban for young people. The debate is set to continue, with both supporters and critics making their voices heard as policymakers strive to find the right balance between protecting children and preserving their digital freedoms.