The Limitations of Age-Gating

The UK government’s proposal to ban social media for those under 16 is primarily a symbolic tool for resetting societal expectations rather than a functional solution to online harm. Evidence from Australia, where a similar ban is in place, indicates that 80% of teens continue to access social media platforms despite the prohibition. Relying on age-gating creates a "cliff-edge" effect where 16-year-olds enter an environment that remains fundamentally unsafe, as the legislation does not mandate structural changes to the platforms themselves.

The Case for 'Safety by Design'

Rather than focusing on user age, the UK should adopt a product-safety framework. This approach treats social media platforms like food, toys, or household appliances, requiring companies to test and prove their products are safe before they are released to the public. This strategy is already supported by 84% of the UK public and aligns with international consensus from bodies like the UN, UNICEF, and the Council of Europe.

Implementing this requires no new legislation; it can be achieved within the existing framework of the Online Safety Act (OSA). By directing the regulator, Ofcom, to adopt a "safety by design" code of practice, the government can hold tech companies accountable for design choices—such as infinite scrolling or algorithmic amplification—that prioritize engagement over user well-being. The Online Safety Act Network has already developed a roadmap for this implementation, which has been endorsed by 45 civil society organizations and experts.