UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s

0:00On March 26th, the UK government is considering a full ban on social media for kids under 16, much like the one just rolled out in Australia. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he's very keen to crack down on addictive features after a big US court ruling against tech giants. They're running a public consultation right now to gather opinions on age limits and restrictions. Earlier this week, the consultation outlined ideas like turning off endless scrolling and auto-play videos that keep kids up late. It also floats overnight curfews and limits on AI chatbots for young users. Hundreds of teenagers will test bans, time caps and curfews in a trial, with the feedback due by May 26th and a government response planned for summer. In Parliament, the House of Lords has now backed an under-16 ban for a second time as part of the children's wellbeing and schools bill. Peers worry, the government's broader powers might not deliver quick enough protections without enough oversight. The bill is in back and forth talks between the houses before it can pass.

1:05A fresh US jury decision in Los Angeles found meta and Google designed their platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook to addict young, users despite mental health risks. Starmer called it a sign of shifting attitudes and vowed the UK will study it closely while pushing even harder on regulations. Ministers are prepping fast-track law changes to enforce curfews or bans without long delays, aiming to shield kids from harmful online habits as evidence builds from trials and global cases.