Social media ban for under-16s considered by UK governmentThe Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced immediate steps to address children’s social media use, including directing Ofsted to review how effectively schools implement their mobile phone policies. Ms Kendall said: "We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them – and to give every child the childhood they deserve." 'Ban announcement offers nothing for parents'Lord Nash, a former schools minister, said the consultation is a further delay in addressing the issue. Ian Russell set up the Molly Rose Foundation after his 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life, having viewed harmful content on social media. He argued that simply banning social media may create "a false sense of security."

Source: The Times January 20, 2026 19:01 UTC