Why has the UK government banned social media for under-16s?

Why has the UK government banned social media for under-16s?

June 17, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 33

About this episode

The episode discusses the UK government's recent ban on social media for under-16s and its potential impact on young people's health and wellbeing.

The UK Government has just announced a ban on social media for under 16-year-olds. Why? Why now? And will it actually improve young people's health and wellbeing? Lancet Editor Niall Boyce is joined by Esther Lau, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, to discuss the key issues and likely consequences. The Lancet Voice is part of the Lancet Group podcast offering. Editorial team: Niall Boyce, Miriam Sabin, Jessamy Bagenal, Richard Horton, and Gavin Cleaver Podcast editing: Matteo Simonetti Visit https://www.thelancet.com/multimedia to learn more about our multimedia offering. Find the best science for better lives at thelancet.comFollow us today at...https://thelancet.bsky.social/https://instagram.com/thelancetgrouphttps://facebook.com/thelancetmedicaljournalhttps://linkedIn.com/company/the-lancethttps://youtube.com/thelancettv

People in this episode

Host: Niall Boyce

Guest: Esther Lau

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, The Lancet Group

Places: UK

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