Tories would ban under-16s from social media, says Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch said a Conservative government would ban under-16s from social media and introduce age limits. Labour ministers say they will review Australia's new under-16s ban but have not announced matching UK measures.

Kemi Badenoch said a future Conservative government would ban under-16s from social media to stop children spending many hours on what she described as addictive sites. She told the BBC the plan is to introduce age limits and to give parents reassurance. Her comments increase pressure on the Labour government to consider measures similar to Australia's recent action. Several organisations and politicians have publicly called for stronger controls and for a cross-party approach. Key points: - Kemi Badenoch said the Conservatives would ban under-16s from social media and introduce age limits if her party wins the next general election. - She argued platforms profit from children’s anxiety and distraction and described some features as designed to be addictive. - Australia recently passed a law to restrict social media use for under-16s and ordered platforms to prevent access, with reported fines up to A$49.5m for non-compliance. - The teachers’ union NASUWT called for a statutory ban, citing effects on concentration in school and children’s mental health. - Labour ministers said they will review Australia’s ban and its implementation; the UK government noted existing steps such as the Online Safety Act, age verification rules, and restrictions on harmful content, while a minister also pointed to benefits some young people find online. Summary: The proposal intensifies debate about regulating youth access to social media and references steps taken overseas. Labour ministers have said they will review Australia’s new law and monitor how it is implemented in practice. Further UK policy decisions on a similar ban have not been announced.