UK Moves Toward Possible Social Media Ban For Under-16s. The UK government announces a consultation on whether social media should be banned for under-16s, signalling tougher action to protect young people online. Ministers say immediate steps will give Ofsted new powers to check phone-use policies during school inspections with schools expected to be phone-free by default. Staff will also be advised not to use personal devices in front of pupils. The move follows pressure from more than 60 Labour MPs and campaigners, including Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey. She argues that social media harmed her daughter’s ability to engage in real-world relationships. A similar nationwide ban comes into force in Australia in December, with other countries now considering following suit. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology says the consultation will gather views from parents, young people and civil society including on stronger age checks and limits on addictive features. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says online safety laws are not the end point, promising action to ensure technology supports, rather than harms, childhood development.