The UK government is poised to announce a blanket ban on social media usage for children under 16. This follows similar moves in Australia, where platforms like TikTok and Instagram are off-limits.

While the government aims to protect younger users from harmful content, critics argue such bans may do more harm than good, potentially isolating young people and undermining privacy protections.

The proposed ban would cover a wide range of social media platforms, with exceptions for gaming apps that must remove features like stranger chat. It also seeks to prevent late-night scrolling and restrict access to romantic and sexual content.

Government sources claim the ban could be enforced using existing regulatory powers, but new legislation may still be needed. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the impact of social media on teens' mental health, with some parents advocating for a complete ban.