The UK government is exploring a potential ban on social media for under-16s, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kyle emphasized that safeguarding children online is a top priority, stating he would “do what it takes” to ensure their safety.

Kyle also announced plans for further research into the effects of technology, including social media and smartphones, on young people. He noted the lack of “firm, peer-reviewed evidence” on the matter and said such data would inform future decisions.

Online Safety Act Enforcement

The announcement coincides with Kyle’s “letter of strategic intent” to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which will soon gain new enforcement powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). The OSA, set to take effect in 2024, requires tech companies to take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms, particularly to shield children from harmful material.

Kyle stressed the importance of assertive regulation, calling on Ofcom to fully utilize its authority under the Act. “I just want to make sure that Ofcom knows that government expects them to be used,” he said.

Under the OSA, social media and messaging platforms face steep fines—potentially in the billions—if they fail to comply. Some platforms have already introduced changes, such as Instagram’s new teen accounts and Roblox’s ban on young children messaging others.

Calls for Broader Action

The Molly Rose Foundation, a campaign group advocating for online safety, welcomed Kyle’s efforts but urged the government to strengthen the OSA. “The public and parents back an updated Act that embeds an overarching duty of care on tech firms,” the group posted on social media platform X, calling for swift action from the Prime Minister.

Legal experts have cautioned that banning social media for young people is only part of the solution. Iona Silverman, a lawyer at Freeths, described the measure as “a drop in an ocean-sized problem,” pointing out that teenagers may still find ways to access harmful content. She called for a broader cultural shift and more proactive legislation to address the issue.

Lessons from Australia

The UK’s deliberations come after Australia announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. When asked if the UK would adopt a similar policy, Kyle said, “Everything is on the table,” but stressed the need for evidence-based decisions.

Smartphone Use Under Scrutiny

The debate extends beyond social media to smartphone usage among young people. Parliament is reviewing a private member’s bill addressing digital safety for children, with input from the Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens group. Founder and GP Rebecca Foljambe highlighted growing concerns among health professionals about smartphone overuse.

While the government has stopped short of banning smartphones in schools, it has issued guidelines to promote effective restrictions. Kyle previously stated that the “battle over phone use in schools had been won.”

Critics, however, continue to call for more decisive action to protect children in an increasingly digital world.

LONDON — Online gaming platform Roblox is rolling out new safety measures for players under the age of 13 in response to concerns about harmful content and user interactions. The platform, which boasts around 70 million daily users worldwide, is particularly popular among children, but has faced increasing criticism over its ability to protect younger users from inappropriate content.

Starting December 3, Roblox will require game creators to indicate whether their games are suitable for children under 13. Games that fail to meet the criteria will be blocked for players in this age group. This move is aimed at enhancing content moderation and ensuring that younger users are not exposed to inappropriate or upsetting material.

In addition to these game-specific updates, starting November 18, Roblox will restrict children under 13 from accessing “social hangouts,” which are spaces designed for player interaction via text and voice. These experiences, which focus on communication rather than gameplay, have been flagged as potentially risky, given their emphasis on real-time, unmoderated socializing.

Furthermore, younger players will also be barred from using “free-form 2D user creation” tools. These tools allow users to create and share drawings or written content, but because creations bypass Roblox’s moderation system, they have been seen as a potential avenue for the spread of harmful material.

“We recognize the deadline is soon, but we greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure Roblox is a safe and civil place for users of all ages to come together,” the company said in a statement on its developer website.

The new restrictions come amid growing concerns about online safety. According to media regulator Ofcom, Roblox is the most popular game in the UK for children aged 8 to 12. However, the platform has come under fire after reports of inappropriate interactions. In May, a young user told the BBC they were asked for sexual images while playing on the platform. In response, Ofcom urged tech companies to enhance protections for children, including measures to block “toxic” content.

The platform has also faced challenges abroad, with Turkey blocking access to Roblox in August due to similar concerns over safety.

In a statement to the BBC, Roblox acknowledged the criticism and emphasized its ongoing commitment to improving safety. “We’re constantly strengthening our safety systems and policies — we shipped over 30 improvements this year and we have more to come,” the company said. While the new measures will be rolled out soon, Roblox confirmed that full enforcement will not begin until 2025.