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MNN UK · January 20, 2026 · 1 min read

UK to consult on social media ban for under-16s

What happened: The UK government announced plans to consult on banning social media use for children under 16. Schools are also expected to become 'phone-free by default' following this announcement.

Why it matters:

  • Aims to protect young people from potential harms linked to social media use.
  • Could change how schools manage mobile phone use during the school day.

MNN Take: The government is seeking public and expert views before deciding on new regulations, reflecting concerns about children's online safety and wellbeing.

Sources: BBC UK