In case you missed the landmark announcement yesterday, it has been confirmed that social media is to be banned for under-16s in the UK.
That’s right – in what is said to be a bid to ‘give kids their childhood back’ and set ‘a new normal’ for future generations by kickstarting a cultural shift, the Government has announced that social media platforms will be banned from offering their services to under-16s – meaning less time for scrolling and more time for play.
The Government says it plans to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia, which was introduced back in 2024.
But what exactly does that mean? And what social media platforms are set to be included within the upcoming ban and which ones aren’t?
Well, according to the Government and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, the UK’s ban would capture user-to-user platforms, whose purpose is to enable social interaction, allow users to post their own material, alongside algorithms.
The Government has announced a social media ban for under 16s / Credit: Julian Christ (via Unsplash)
The ban will, therefore, include popular social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
But crucially, at this time, it is not intended for messaging services like WhatsApp to be included.
The Government says it is also planning to go even further than any other country, as on top of a blanket ban on social media, world-leading blocks on harmful functions – such as livestreaming and stranger communication with children – will also be blocked for under-16s, and will apply to a wider range of online services, including on gaming sites.
Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent what ministers are calling a ‘cliff-edge’ at 16.
And to go even further, the Government says it will be ‘looking in more detail’ at the potential to introduce overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18 – with more information to be provided on this next month.
“This is a decisive first step which marks a clear choice to put children’s wellbeing first and give them a healthy life online,” the Government said in a statement. “We stand ready to take further measures in the future.”
Speaking on the upcoming ban and further restrictions, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever.
“I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them.
“That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.
“This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations.”
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
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A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2026 
