"A safer digital childhood" - UK Government consults on children's mobile and social media use

The question

What steps is the UK government taking to improve children's relationship with mobile phones and social media?

The key takeaway

The government continues to strengthen its approach to children's online safety and wellbeing with the announcement of a new consultation, entitled "A safer digital childhood".

The background

On 19 January 2026, the government announced it will be launching a consultation to map out a plan to boost children's wellbeing online. This announcement forms part of the government's approach following the Online Safety Act (OSA), which came into force in July 2025. Following the implementation of the OSA, the government has reported that 47% of children now encounter age checks online, rising from 30% previously. It is also reported that 58% of parents believe the measures are improving children's safety online.

This consultation follows similar recent developments that relate to protecting young people online such as strengthening under-18 protections for gambling and lottery advertising and Ofcom's call for evidence into age-assurance measures in app stores.

The development

The consultation will seek input from parents, young people and the wider public, with a response from government to follow this summer. The consultation will explore:

• the appropriate minimum age for access to social media
• how to improve the accuracy of age assurance
• the digital age of consent
• removing or limiting addictive functionalities such as "streaks" and "infinite scrolling"
• interventions to support parents.

The current plan also includes an immediate action in that it requires Ofsted to check the mobile phone policies in place in schools, with phone-free environments as the default position. There will also be tougher and clearer guidance issued for schools.

The social media ban on children in Australia will also be explored as part of the consultation, with Ministers scheduled to visit the country.

Why is this important?

The announcement of the consultation is consistent with the trend of regulation surrounding online content to ensure the safety of young people. The outcome of the consultation will undoubtedly contribute to the growing conversation and will form part of any regulation that may be imposed on websites and apps to protect the safety of children. Businesses should be aware and monitor the consultation as it may form the background for increased regulation and guidance in the future.

Any practical tips?

Businesses should be aware of the growing regulatory landscape supporting the safety of young people. To prepare, businesses should:

• review their own age policies in place to access online content
• ensure controls are in place to align with legislation already in force
• monitor the progress of the consultation
• consider whether existing policies already align with the consultation or whether any changes will be required, such as with respect to minimum age requirements, improving accuracy of age assurance or releasing guidance to parents. This is to ensure that any measures required for compliance can be quickly implemented if any regulations come into force.

Spring 2026