UK Government Considers Further Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s

The move follows the recent Online Safety Act, with discussions focusing on parental permission and potential harms of social media on young people's mental health.

The UK government is considering further restrictions on social media use for under-16s, including potentially requiring parental permission for usage.
The proposals come after the recent introduction of the Online Safety Act, which mandates social media platforms to protect children from harmful content or face hefty fines.
While some sources suggest a complete ban on social media for under-16s is under consideration, government officials have downplayed this prospect, emphasizing the aim to empower parents.
Critics argue that education and critical thinking skills are more effective than outright bans, which could push teenagers onto unregulated sites and potentially expose them to more harm.
The potential restrictions are part of a broader global conversation about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and the responsibility of tech companies to mitigate harm.