UK launches consultations on measures to protect children online

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a national consultation to explore further measures to protect children online beyond those contained in the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA). In recognising that social media use is now almost universal among minors, the government is seeking to address the growing risks associated with online platforms for young people.

The consultation covers several proposed interventions, including introducing a minimum age for social media access and increasing the digital age of consent. It also examines restrictions on design features that encourage excessive use, such as autoplay and infinite scrolling. In addition, the government is considering whether existing guidance on mobile phone use in schools should be placed on a statutory footing.

Central to the process is the role of age verification and assurance technologies in enforcing these standards, alongside better support and clearer controls for parents. Under the proposals, the government is asking whether the public agrees with the statement that "adults should complete age checks more often, if it means children are safer online."

To ensure a diverse range of perspectives are captured, separate consultations have been launched for:

• Civil society, industry and members of the public
• Parents and carers of young people aged 21 and under
• Children and young people (aged 10 to 21)

The findings will be further informed by a series of national events held over the next three months to determine the most effective ways to empower families and safeguard children in the digital world.

The consultations close on 26 May 2026.

In a statement respondding to the news, Silkie Carlo, Director of Big Brother Watch, warned: "The only way to ban children from social media is through mandatory online ID checks for us all, adults and children alike.

"The government would have to choose between mandatory ID checks, biometric age guesstimates or AI behavioural surveillance to estimate internet users’ ages.

"All of the online age verification options are highly invasive and the biometric and behavioural profiling options are highly inaccurate, meaning IDs will be required in many millions of cases regardless.

"Parliament should reject calls for a social media ban and focus on supporting parents and schools to help children use the internet in a positive and healthy way."

Additional commentary in the The Guardian, and legal analysis by Pinsent Masons.

Meanwhile, Australia's eSafety Commissioner has launched a comprehensive review of the country's children's social media ban to determine how it is working in practice, and what impact it is having on children, young people and their families.

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