Supporting your child with new social media changes

You may have seen the recent announcement that the UK government plans to ban social media for under-16s by Spring 2027. New measures to make online spaces safer for children and young people will also be introduced.

For many parents and carers, this brings mixed feelings. You might feel relieved, unsure what it means in practice, or worried about how it will affect your child’s friendships and daily life.

All of these reactions are valid. What matters most is this: you are not expected to manage this alone, and these changes do not replace the importance of your role in your child’s online life.

What’s changing and what it means for families

The new rules aim to reduce the risks children can face online, including exposure to harmful content, bullying and contact from strangers.

The changes are expected to include:

a ban on under-16s using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and YouTube
restrictions on high-risk features like livestreaming and contact with strangers, which will apply across a wider range of online services, including gaming sites
stronger age checks to verify users’ ages
possible limits on late-night use and ‘infinite scrolling’

It’s important to understand that not all online spaces are affected in the same way.

messaging services such as WhatsApp are not expected to be included in the ban
some platforms, including gaming sites (e.g. Roblox), will sit outside of the under-16s ban
however, children may still experience risks in these spaces, particularly where communication with others is involved or where they might see harmful content

Children will still be able to go online to learn, play games and stay in touch with people they know. These changes are designed to help, but they will not remove all risks, or access to all online spaces.

A reassuring reality check

It’s understandable to hope these changes will solve the problem, but it helps to keep a balanced perspective.

Not everything online is harmful, and many children use digital spaces in positive and creative ways. At the same time, some young people may still find ways to access social media, and could still have harmful interactions, even with restrictions in place.

This matters because online safety is not only about access. It is also about helping children understand, question and navigate the online world confidently.

Age checks and bans can help, but they don’t solve everything

New systems, such as age verification, are intended to make it harder for under-16s to access certain platforms. But no system is perfect.

Some young people may:

find workarounds
move to less regulated spaces
rely more on peer guidance than adult support

This means that technology can support safety, but it cannot replace the role of trusting relationships and open conversations at home.

Parents and carers continue to play an important role

As a parent or carer, you have a powerful protective role. Children are more likely to stay safer online when they feel able to talk openly with you, trust your reactions, and know they will be supported rather than judged.

You do not need to be a technical expert. What matters most is being present, curious and approachable.

Building confidence through conversations

Talking about online life does not need to feel like a big or difficult task. Small, regular conversations can make a real difference.

1. Start with connection, not concern

Show interest in your child’s digital world by asking simple, open questions about what they enjoy and who they connect with. You might say, ‘What do you enjoy doing online at the moment?’ or ‘Who do you usually talk to when you’re gaming or chatting?’

These kinds of conversations help children feel seen and understood, rather than monitored, making it more likely they will share their experiences with you openly.

2. Talk about changes together

When discussing the new rules, explain that these changes are about safety and wellbeing, while also acknowledging that they may feel frustrating or unfair for your child.

You might say, ‘There are new rules coming in to help keep young people safer online. I know that might feel limiting, but we can talk about it together.’

The government has highlighted that open conversations between children and their parents or carers are an important part of helping young people stay safe, make good choices and get help if something does not feel right.

3. Focus on skills, not just rules

Even with restrictions in place, children still need to learn how to recognise when something feels wrong, manage peer pressure, deal with upsetting content and ask for help when they need it.

These are lifelong skills that go beyond any single app or platform, and they will continue to support your child as they grow and their online world changes.

4. Keep the door open

Let your child know they can come to you about anything they see or experience online, and that they will not be punished for being honest. This includes if they experience anything harmful on a “banned” platform. It is the job of tech companies to implement effective age checks, and children must know that they have not broken any laws if they experience harm on these sites.

For example, you might say: "If anything ever worries you online, I’ll always listen first. You won’t be in trouble for speaking up."

Creating a supportive approach at home

Every family is different, but a balanced approach often includes:

Clear and consistent boundaries

Agree expectations around apps, screen time and night-time use.
Explain the reasons behind your decisions.

Shared responsibility

Involve your child in discussions and decisions.
Recognise their growing independence, especially as they get older.

Using tools as support, not replacements

Parental controls and device settings can help reinforce boundaries.
But they work best alongside open communication.

Modelling healthy habits

Children often learn from what they see.
Consider how and when you use your own devices.
Show that offline time and sleep matter too.

You don’t need to have all the answers

Many parents worry that they should already have all the answers when it comes to online safety, especially as new rules and technologies continue to emerge. In reality, the online world is constantly evolving, and even experts are still learning. No parent gets everything right, and it is completely normal to feel unsure.

What makes the biggest difference is creating an environment where your child feels safe to talk, ask questions and share their experiences, knowing you are on their side.

The new social media rules are an important step in improving children’s online safety, but the most important support your child has is still you.

A trusted relationship, open and ongoing conversations, and the confidence to ask for help will make the biggest difference in helping them feel safe, understood and able to navigate the online world with confidence.

More information and support around online safety

Contact the NSPCC Helpline

Under 18?