Growing up in the online world: a national consultation
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
WeThe government ran a national consultation from March to May 2026, one of the largest engagement exercises undertaken by this government.government. The The results showed overwhelming public demand for action with 9 in 10 parents backing a social media ban for under‑16s, and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.
We setare setting out our initial plan to:now to:
ban social media companies from providing their services to under-16s
prevent under-16s from accessing harmful functions on other online services, including gaming services
require default restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds from harmful functions
apply rigorous age checks to enforce these requirements
prevent under-18s from accessing AI chatbot services that
that primary offerprimary offer sexualised content. Other AI chatbot services will not be able to offer children features that enable sexually explicit or sexual role-playing contentgive children access to more educational and positive content and experiences, both online and offline.
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Original consultation
Consultation description
On 28 May 2026, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology referenced figures from this consultation in a media interview. In the interests of transparency we have published a preliminary analysis of the consultation responses to one of the consultation questions and a summary of the total number of consultation responses received.
Why we consulted
Technology is part of most children’s lives from an early age. It can help children learn, build friendships and develop creativity. But it also brings risks, and many parents, teachers and young people have told us the current situation is not working well enough.
Social media use among children and adolescents is almost universal. The proportion of children with social media profiles has increased significantly in the last 5 years. We must ensure children can engage with the online world safely, and that parents and carers feel confident to support and empower their children online.
This consultation is the next step in the government’s work to ensure children’s experiences online are safe and enriching. We want to understand how technology impacts children’s wellbeing, and what more we can do to help families strike the right balance.
Do you remember what your childhood looked like?
Background
The Online Safety Act 2023 established one of the strongest systems in the world for protecting children from illegal and harmful content online. This consultation built on that foundation to consider the broader impact of technology on children’s everyday lives.
Given the importance of the internet and digital services in today’s society, we need to consider whether additional measures could build on our existing approach and ensure the UK remains the safest place for children to be online.
What we consulted on
The consultation considered how children use digital technology as well as measures including:
- setting a minimum age for children to access social media - and what age would be right
- restricting risky functionalities and design features that encourage excessive use, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay
- whether the digital age of consent should be raised
- how age verification and age assurance technologies can support effective implementation
- whether the guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools should be put on a statutory footing
- better support for parents, including clearer guidance and simpler parental controls
Who we wanted to hear from
We welcomed responses from everyone, including children and young people, whose voices are central to this process. A dedicated version of this consultation was published for children, and a separate version for parents and carers. We also heard views through a series of national events.
There were 3 surveys to choose from.
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A full consultation for anyone (civil society, industry and members of the public)
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Survey for parents and carers of young people aged 21 and under
- Survey for children and young people (aged 10 to 21)
What happens next
This consultation closed on the 26 May 2026. The government has committed to taking swift action on its findings. On 16 February 2026, the Prime Minister announced new legal powers to allow the government to act swiftly after the consultation response, without waiting for new primary legislation.
A further update on additional measures and the full range of questions will be published in July.
Documents
Updates to this page
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Updated with the final government response and 'Children and young people's summary'.
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Updated with the government response and supplementary information.
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Updated with a link to transparency data. In the interests of transparency, we have published a summary of the total number of responses received to the consultation
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Updated with a link to transparency data. In the interests of transparency, we have published preliminary analysis of the consultation responses.
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English: Added a Welsh translation of the consultation document. Cymraeg: Ychwanegwyd cyfieithiad Cymraeg o'r ddogfen ymgynghori.
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First published.
Update history
2026-07-15 12:21
Updated with the final government response and ‘Children and young people’s summary’.
2026-06-15 10:07
Updated with the government response and supplementary information.
2026-06-04 10:01
Updated with a link to transparency data. In the interests of transparency, we have published a summary of the total number of responses received to the consultation
2026-06-01 17:37
Updated with a link to transparency data. In the interests of transparency, we have published preliminary analysis of the consultation responses.
2026-05-20 18:31
English: Added a Welsh translation of the consultation document.Cymraeg: Ychwanegwyd cyfieithiad Cymraeg o’r ddogfen ymgynghori.
2026-03-02 10:39
First published.