UK ministers launched a consultation to consider banning children under 16 from using social media as part of a wider effort to curb mobile phone usage among young people. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the move in response to mounting pressure from parents, teachers, and bereaved families, including the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed openness to the ban, he noted a desire to review evidence from similar restrictions in Australia before making a final decision.
Date: January 19, 2026. Source: theguardian.com