Consultation outcome - Growing up in the online world

From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Published: 2 March 2026

Last updated: 19 August 2026  See all updates

This was published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Growing up in the online world: government response (July 2026)

Ref: ISBN 9781528667395, E0364682707/26, CP 1643

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Growing up in the online world: government response (print-ready) (July 2026)

Ref: CP 1643

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Growing up in the online world: government response (web-accessible) (July 2026)

Ref: CP 1643

PDF, 677 KB, 44 pages

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Growing up in the online world: progress statement (June 2026)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6602-2, E0362674106/26

Unnumbered act paper

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Growing up in the online world: progress statement (print ready) (June 2026)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6602-2, E0362674106/26

PDF, 1.35 MB, 48 pages

Growing up in an online world: progress statement (web-accessible) (June 2026)

PDF, 1.36 MB, 48 pages

Growing up in the online world: children and young people's summary

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Summary of evidence, methodology, and organisations who responded to the consultation: July 2026

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Summary of ministerial and official engagement: National Conversation

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Tyfu i Fyny yn y Byd Ar-lein: ymateb y Llywodraeth (PDF parod i'w argraffu)

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Tyfu i fyny yn y byd ar-lein: datganiad cynnydd (PDF parod i'w argraffu)

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Tyfu i Fyny yn y Byd Ar-lein

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Detail of outcome

We ran a national consultation from March to May 2026, one of the largest engagement exercises undertaken by this government. The results showed overwhelming public demand for action with 9 in 10 parents backing a social media ban for under16s, and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.

We set out our initial plan to:

• ban social media companies from providing their services to under-16s
• prevent under-16s from accessing harmful functions on other online services, including gaming services
• require default restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds from harmful functions
• apply rigrous age checks to enforce these requirements
• prevent under-18s from accessing AI chatbot services that primary offer sexualised content. Other AI chatbot services will not be able to offer children features that enable sexually explicit or sexual role-playing content
• give children access to more educational and positive content and experiences, both online and offline.

We have since built on this, committing to further measures for children, including:

• default curfews and restrictions on infinite scrolling for 16 and 17 year-olds
• breaks in AI chatbot use for under-18s
• an onus on social media companies to detect and prevent VPN use among under-16s to access their services
• further support for parents and children including through the Kids Online Safety Hub

These changes reset the rules so that children are protected from the platforms and online features that create the most harm. All related documents, including the fact sheet, the Secretary of State's letter to Ofcom, the Expert Panel meeting summaries, and associated research, are available in the Growing up in the online world consultation collection.

Original consultation

We consulted on further measures to prepare children for the future in an age of rapid technological change. This includes potential age restrictions on social media and other services such as gaming sites and AI chatbots, restrictions on addictive design features and risky functionalities, and better support for parents and families.

This consultation ran from
10:30am on 2 March 2026 to 11:59pm on 26 May 2026

Consultation description

On 28 May 2026, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology referenced figures from this consultation in a media interview. In the interests of transparency we have published a preliminary analysis of the consultation responses to one of the consultation questions and a summary of the total number of consultation responses received.

Why we consulted

Technology is part of most children's lives from an early age. It can help children learn, build friendships and develop creativity. But it also brings risks, and many parents, teachers and young people have told us the current situation is not working well enough. 

Social media use among children and adolescents is almost universal.  The proportion of children with social media profiles has increased significantly in the last 5 years. We must ensure children can engage with the online world safely, and that parents and carers feel confident to support and empower their children online. 

This consultation is the next step in the government's work to ensure children's experiences online are safe and enriching. We want to understand how technology impacts children's wellbeing, and what more we can do to help families strike the right balance.

Do you remember what your childhood looked like?

Background

The Online Safety Act 2023 established one of the strongest systems in the world for protecting children from illegal and harmful content online. This consultation built on that foundation to consider the broader impact of technology on children's everyday lives.

Given the importance of the internet and digital services in today's society, we need to consider whether additional measures could build on our existing approach and ensure the UK remains the safest place for children to be online.

What we consulted on

The consultation considered how children use digital technology as well as measures including:

• setting a minimum age for children to access social media - and what age would be right
• restricting risky functionalities and design features that encourage excessive use, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay
• whether the digital age of consent should be raised
• how age verification and age assurance technologies can support effective implementation
• whether the guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools should be put on a statutory footing
• better support for parents, including clearer guidance and simpler parental controls

Who we wanted to hear from

We welcomed responses from everyone, including children and young people, whose voices are central to this process. A dedicated version of this consultation was published for children, and a separate version for parents and carers. We also heard views through a series of national events.

There were 3 surveys to choose from.

• A full consultation for anyone (civil society, industry and members of the public)
• Survey for parents and carers of young people aged 21 and under
• Survey for children and young people (aged 10 to 21)

What happens next

This consultation closed on the 26 May 2026. The government has committed to taking swift action on its findings. On 16 February 2026, the Prime Minister announced new legal powers to allow the government to act swiftly after the consultation response, without waiting for new primary legislation.  

A further update on additional measures and the full range of questions will be published in July.

Documents

Growing up in the online world: a national conversation

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6278-9, E03557625 03/26, CP 1528

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Growing up in the online world: a national conversation (print-ready PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6278-9, E03557625 03/26, CP 1528

PDF, 830 KB, 76 pages

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Growing up in the online world: a national conversation (web-optimised PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6278-9, E03557625 03/26, CP 1528

PDF, 830 KB, 76 pages