Skip to content 
We all know that with the change in the world and as time is passing by we are getting more and more dependent on the internet and the features that it gives us. In a way the opportunities that we receive from it , the whole new world that it opens to us is, on one hand extraordinary and overwhelming, but on the other hand it can be a little tricky, unsafe and very unpredictable when it comes to the younger society, children in particular. It is no longer limited to the “search” that we were willing to use mostly, now it is infinite resource.
In meaning of that, there are upcoming changes with the aim of protecting the children online. After a national consultation from March to May 2026, one of the largest engagement exercises undertaken by this government, results showed overwhelming public demand for action, with 9 in 10 parents backing a social media ban for under‑16s, and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.
These changes reset the rules so that children are protected from the platforms and online features that create the most harm. Not only that but it gives them the opportunity to see the real world through their eyes but not only “through the screen”. It is a public secret that the internet is one of the main opportunities for young people to learn and develop. However, hand in hand with this goes the opinion that this does not make it a safe or essential tool in their daily lives.
Who will it affect? Children and young people under 18. Crucially they will still be able to access the online world safely for learning, news, games and staying in touch with known friends and family on messaging services. The 16 and 17 years old will still be able to access social media, but live streaming, and stranger communication including in gaming, will be switched off by default for these ages. Regarding the adults and that if they are going to be affected somehow – many adults won’t need to do checks because they’ve already got an account that: has been open more than 16 years, has a credit card connected to it, or is linked to an email address that’s age-verified in other ways. Some adults will have already done age verification checks under the existing Online Safety Act, so wouldn’t need to do them again. And if not, it could be as simple as a facial recognition check for over-18s.
Furthermore, it is mainly about reducing harm, improving wellbeing and giving young people more time for a healthier childhood. It will give the opportunity for the young generation to try to connect on different level. Many studies are showing increase in mental disorders – one has found that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among individuals aged 3–17 years reached 3.42% in years 2021–2022, continuing a decade-long upward trend. Beyond ASD, the addictive nature of social media is emerging as a critical issue, particularly among children and adolescents. Recent study about “Social media use and health risk behaviours in young people: systematic review and meta-analysis” indicate that approximately 24.4% of adolescents meet the criteria for social media addiction.
The change needs to start first from the family as well. Do not underestimate the fact, that many overwhelmed parents are using the screen as an entertainment and to keep them occupied while they are travelling, going out or when they just need to do something. Like everything it just should not be excessive, it must remain in certain limits. A study published in the journal “Paediatrics” sheds light on the prevalence of technology in households and children’s early access to screens. Surprisingly, by the age of 4, 50% of the children in the study had their own television, and about ¾ owned their own mobile devices. Most concerning is that the majority of children began using electronic devices for entertainment before the age of 1. Nevertheless, it is very important what is the content, it always needs to be monitored by the parents. It has been proven that active screen time—which includes physically engaging activities (e.g., active video games like Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Move, etc.) or cognitively engaging activities (e.g., doing homework, games that develop visual or spatial skills)—has a positive effect on children. This type of screen time can improve children’s academic performance, concentration, socialization, and problem-solving skills.
On the other hand, passive screen time—based simply on the aimless consumption of media content (e.g., watching television or YouTube, scrolling through social media, etc.)—can be detrimental to children. Using screens in this way is often linked to issues such as childhood obesity and impairments in attention, cognitive development, and language skills. Not all passive screen time is harmful. Certain educational programs and interactive apps can benefit a child’s learning experience. However, if a child shows signs of an unhealthy obsession with passive screen time, the parent should intervene.
In conclusion, the first set of Regulations will be laid before the end of the year, and the changes should be implemented in Spring 2027, so for now the parents and children do not have to do anything because the government will provide further detail to families and children ahead of the changes in 2027.
It can be very challenging dealing with that new era, especially for the parents. But at the end of the day, it can be very simple – it is all about the connection that they create with their children and the quality time that they spent with their children. It is very difficult to balance between the real world and the virtual one, but let’s not forget that the real world is the physically and primary while the virtual one is a digital tool used inside it.
