Under 16s social media ban date and what kids ‘will do instead’ | UK | News
The government has confirmed when social media will be banned for under-16s and how children will spend the time currently allocated to these platforms.
Young people will be “given their childhood back” with “less time for scrolling and more time for play”, ministers said when the initiative was announced earlier this month.
To help young people make better use of their time and engage in more useful activities, the government has pledged to “ensure children have access to safe, offline spaces where they can make friends, connect with people who share their interests, and spend time studying and developing.”
Central to this is significant investment, with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launching a £500 million strategy to expand access to enrichment activities, including sport, arts and youth services.
In addition, the Department for Education has announced a £132.5 million enrichment package that includes new guidance to help schools and colleges deliver a wider range of fun activities beyond the classroom, from sports and creative projects to nature and the arts.
A government document adds: “We also know that many young people feel socially isolated. Last year the Government conducted a ‘State of the Nation’ survey of more than 14,000 young people.
“We are currently investing over £3bn to build or renovate up to 250 youth centres, school sports, build new and improved grassroots sports facilities across the country and save more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings from closure.”
A proposed social media ban for under-16s is expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas, with new safeguards coming into force in Spring 2027.
