Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Announced as 'Defining Moment' for Child Safety

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced a landmark prohibition on social media use for children under 16, declaring the move "a defining moment for our children" during an address to the House of Commons. The proposed ban represents one of the most significant interventions in online safety policy to date, targeting the protection of young people from harmful content, exploitation, and the documented mental health impacts associated with early social media exposure. The announcement signals a major shift in how the government approaches digital safeguarding, placing statutory obligations on platforms to prevent under-16s from accessing their services. For local authorities and children's services, this policy development carries significant implications for how frontline professionals approach online safety education, digital literacy, and the broader safeguarding responsibilities that span schools, social care, and family support services. As the legislation progresses through Parliament, Lead Members for Children's Services will need to consider how this national policy translates into local implementation, particularly regarding enforcement mechanisms and support for families navigating the digital landscape. The move aligns with wider safeguarding priorities whilst raising practical questions about age verification, parental guidance, and the role of local partnerships in keeping children safe in an increasingly digital world.