Wes Streeting calls for under-16 social media ban, citing tobacco industry

Call for Regulatory Shift

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has argued that social media companies should be treated in the same manner as the tobacco industry. Streeting is calling for a ban on children under the age of 16 from accessing certain social media platforms.

This intervention comes as the government concludes a consultation regarding age limits for social media platforms. Speaking publicly on the prospect of a ban for the first time since leaving government, Streeting stated that such a measure is necessary because large technology companies have attempted to dodge regulations.

International Context and Precedents

The UK is not alone in considering such restrictions. France and the UK have both been identified as countries considering bans on social media for children. In Australia, a world-first policy was implemented in December 2025 that made it illegal for children under 16 to hold social media accounts.

However, the effectiveness of these bans has been questioned. Reports indicate that most young Australians have successfully evaded the country's social media ban. Additionally, some social media experts have told CNBC that blanket bans are "unfair" to young people and ignore the potential benefits of these platforms, suggesting instead that governments should enforce existing regulations.

Policy Debate and Alternatives

The debate over age-gating social media often draws parallels to other restricted activities. The Oversight Board has noted that society already employs age restrictions for various domains, including the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, voting, and child labor.

Critics of blanket bans describe them as a "lazy" fix.