Parents, not Downing Street should decide if children use social media

The Consumer Choice Center has called on the UK government to follow the evidence when considering new restrictions on social media access for children, arguing that parents, not politicians in Downing Street or the White House, are best placed to make decisions for their families.

The debate comes after the UK government declined to rule out an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s, with Secretary of State Liz Kendall stating that a blanket ban remains “on the table”.

The issue has also drawn international attention following reports that the US administration has urged Downing Street not to move forward with measures similar to those introduced in Australia.

Mike Salem, UK Country Associate at the Consumer Choice Center, said: “The government should think carefully about how best to safeguard children online, but parents remain best placed to guide and support their children’s use of technology. A blanket ban treats all young people the same regardless of their maturity, family circumstances, or individual needs, which would be harmful to them.”

Australia introduced its under-16 social media restrictions in late 2025. However, recent reporting has suggested  many young people continue to access social media platforms despite the ban, with 61% of Australian 12-15 year olds who had social media before the ban, still have access to one or more accounts, raising wider questions about how effective blanket restrictions can be in practice.

The Consumer Choice Center argues that online safety policies should focus on empowering parents, improving digital literacy, and encouraging responsible platform moderation rather than introducing broad prohibitions that may be difficult to enforce.

“Children are often quick to adapt to new technology and find ways around restrictions,” Salem added. “That’s why strong parental involvement, open conversations, and better digital education are more sustainable solutions than sweeping government bans.”

The group warned that overly restrictive policies could unintentionally push younger users toward less regulated online spaces, where parents and mainstream platforms have even less visibility. Salem recently expanded on these arguments in a blog post for the Consumer Choice Center titled “The Erosion of Liberty Part 2: Social Media Bans for Under 16”, which can be read here.

“Protecting children online is paramount,” Salem concluded, “but responsibility should not be taken away from families and handed entirely to the state.”