The UK government’s decision to ban social media for under-16s is the landmark intervention we have desperately needed. It shows that nation states are now willing to take on the tech giants.
This is not an isolated policy decision – it’s the start of a global movement. The UK has followed Australia in setting out a clear mandate for change. Brazil, Canada, France, Indonesia, and others are heading in the same direction.
It’s time for the rest of Europe to step up. Norway, the EU, and every government still in ‘consultation mode’ must stop deliberating and start legislating. We need strength in numbers, and the cost of delay is measured in children’s wellbeing. Every month without action is another month of platforms profiting from addiction.
Kitty Hamilton, co-founder of lobbying group Set@16, has welcomed the UK government’s move: “The commitment from the government to age-restrict social media is a step towards our goal of setting a societal norm of 16 for smartphones, social media and AI. While the focus for now is on social media, the compounding role of smartphones cannot be underestimated. It is the key access tool to so many harms, which is why children and parents need options on simpler phones that allow for communication without complication.”
Jennifer Powers, founder and director of Unplugged Coalition, commented: “Childhood is the biggest winner here. Stopping addictive-by-design tech platforms from exploiting our children is a crucial step in reclaiming childhood from the digital world. Instead of ‘job done’, I hope this announcement will spur parents to delay giving their child a smartphone and for schools to ban smartphones from school grounds.”
Fighting the good fight
For more than two decades, parents have been fighting an uphill battle against mega-rich tech companies, and the platforms that have been designed to be addictive. Silicon Valley tech companies have been pushing more data, apps, screen time, and engagement at any cost. Governments are starting to say enough is enough.
Xplora believes children deserve technology designed for them, not algorithms designed for addiction. We believe there is a three-step process that needs to happen to secure a better digital future for the next generation:
1. Governments should establish clear age limits for social media use as Australia and the UK have done. Clear rules help establish social norms and send a strong signal about what society considers appropriate for children. In addition to an Australia-style ban, the UK is also seeking creative solutions so there is not a cliff-edge at 16, with livestreaming restrictions, limitations on AI chats, nighttime curfews and limits on features such as infinite scrolling for 16-17 year-olds.
2. Age verification technology should be required and implemented. The technology already exists and is used in many sectors where age restrictions matter. Social media shouldn’t be treated differently. The UK is looking at going further than Australia in potentially having age checks at device level, and using state-of-the-art age verification technology.
3. Technology platforms must be held accountable. Requirements must be enforceable, with oversight and meaningful consequences for non-compliance. When governments set clear expectations, innovation follows and better solutions emerge. Bans and restrictions may well force existing and new tech and social platforms to change their approaches, features and content moderation in order to meet government requirements. This could create a healthier online ecosystem for all, with less emphasis on smartphones and social media at school age – and a gradual integration into digital use for teens.
Nova Eden, founder of One Collective Power, said: “The government’s announcement is a positive step towards protecting children online, but it is only part of the solution. We need education for children and parents, greater accountability for tech companies, and global action to put young people’s mental health, wellbeing and education before big tech profits.”
Creating new ‘norms’
This announcement signals an important shift: we are finally becoming more considerate and selective about the technology we expose our children to. And it’s not just about banning things – it is about resetting norms and creating space for childhood.
Parentkind CEO, Frank Young, commented: “We are pleased the government is listening to parents, and supporting them. Seven in 10 parents tell us that reducing children’s smartphone use will make parenting easier for them. Parents will be able to take responsibility for keeping their children safe online. Parents now have the right practical guidance and tools to support them.”
How can we get the balance right?
The goal now must be to provide families with smart, practical alternatives: devices like the XploraOne that offer essential communication and safety features for a child's first phone without the toxic baggage of the open web or social media algorithms.
To truly reclaim childhood, we must ensure families have the right tools to bridge the gap between digital safety and real-world experience. It’s time to build technology that respects human development, protects peace of mind, and empowers parents instead of undermining them.
Jane Rowlands, co-founder of SafeScreens agrees: “We’ve collectively acknowledged that addictive design features and exploitative business models are at least as problematic for children as exposure to inappropriate content. Now that we've crossed that bridge, we should apply the same logic to liberate children from the attention-sapping adult devices that blight childhoods.”
Sue Atkins, parenting expert, broadcaster and author of Navigating the Digital Jungle, said: “The real work begins now in preparing families for the changes ahead through communication, digital literacy and helping parents feel confident having these conversations at home."
We couldn’t agree more. Xplora wants to express our huge thanks and congratulations to every organisation and individual who has campaigned tirelessly to get here. This is your win.
The momentum is there. The public support is there. The evidence is there. There are no more excuses for inaction. Let’s rethink childhood and ensure a better future for all.
