The UK government has today announced plans to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X. Under the proposed legislation, tech companies would be responsible for enforcing age checks or face significant fines, with the measures expected to pass by late 2026 and come into force in 2027.
What the proposed social media ban means for under-16s
As part of the Best For You programme (run in partnership with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, West London NHS Trust and evaluated by Imperial College) we are carefully considering what this could mean for how we reach and support young people.
What young people are telling us about social media and mental health
Our recent research with more than 2,000 young people highlights that social media is their primary online environment, with TikTok (54%), YouTube (52%) and Instagram (40%) among the most-used platforms. It also shows a clear demand for more accessible mental health information, better signposting to support, and content delivered in the formats and spaces young people already use.
How Best For You is responding to young people’s needs
The newly relaunched Best For You website was developed directly in response to this feedback. Many young people told us they don’t know what support is available or whether their concerns are ‘serious enough’ to seek help. The platform brings together trusted, NHS-backed information and guidance in one easy-to-navigate place – helping young people aged 11-25 find the support they need, when they need it.
How we will continue to support young people
While full details of the proposed ban are still emerging, we will continue to monitor developments closely. In the meantime:
- We will continue to reach young people where they are, including on social media, recognising that many in our 11-25 audience will remain unaffected.
- We are providing information for young people who have questions about the proposed ban on the Best For You website and via social media – this will be updated as the situation evolves.
- We will strengthen alternative routes to support, working with young people and their parents and carers, schools, community networks and NHS services, and developing offline resources where needed.
Our commitment to accessible mental health support
Our mission remains unchanged – to ensure every young person can access trusted, clinically assured mental health support wherever and whenever they need it.
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