general
Starmer says UK must act to curb addictive social media features
The prime minister and education secretary say measures to restrict algorithmic features that hook young users are likely after a government consultation and a UK pilot with teenagers.
Mar 29th 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government will have to act to curb algorithmic features such as infinite scrolling and streaks that encourage children to stay online.
- Starmer said he is open minded about a ban on social media for under 16s and warned things will change after the consultation.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the consultation will examine addictive and algorithmically driven content and the government published new guidance on screen time for under fives.
- The government will run a pilot with about 300 teenagers across the UK to trial social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps.
- Nearly 30,000 parents and children have responded to the digital wellbeing consultation, which closes on 26 May.
- A recent US case awarded $6 million after finding Meta and Google liable for a woman’s childhood social media addiction, and the companies plan to appeal.