Courts mandate parental proof for social media use by under-16s
Courts and legislatures increasingly require parental consent for under-16 social media access.
Why it matters: Legal teams must navigate new rules on verifying parental consent and managing minors' social media use, impacting compliance and risk management.
- UK plans social media ban for under-16s, with debate in 2026 and possible 2027 rollout (TechRadar).
- Sixth Circuit reinstated Ohio law requiring parental consent for under-16s on social media (AP News).
- New York’s SAFE for Kids Act bans addictive feeds for minors without verified parental consent, fines up to $5,000 (Loeb & Loeb).
- California’s AB 1709 mandates age verification, deletes accounts under 16, and restricts personalized addictive feeds (CodifyLegal).
Courts and governments globally are increasing regulations on social media access for users under 16.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media use by under-16s, aiming to restore childhood free from digital harms. The legislation is scheduled for parliamentary debate before Christmas 2026, with possible implementation in spring 2027.
In the United States, the trend reflects similar parental control emphasis. A divided Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals panel reinstated Ohio's law requiring parental consent for minors under 16 to access social media platforms. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson highlighted the ruling as empowering parents to oversee their children’s online engagement.
Additionally, New York passed the SAFE for Kids Act. This law prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive, personalized feeds to minors without verifiable parental consent, imposing fines up to $5,000 per violation. The act targets content designed to prolong minors' screen time.
California enacted AB 1709, which requires social media companies to verify user age and delete accounts if users are under 16. It also restricts personalized feeds that optimize user engagement, which studies associate with addictive behaviors.
Meanwhile, the European Union enforces the Digital Services Act against platforms like Meta for enabling harmful addictive features on Facebook and Instagram. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocates for tighter age restrictions and is developing an age-verification system that aims to protect user privacy.
These regulations reflect a heightened focus on verifying parental consent and restricting minors' exposure to addictive social media content. Legal teams advising technology companies must prepare for evolving compliance mandates, adapt content moderation policies, and assess litigation risks amid increasing scrutiny of digital harms to children.
By the numbers:
- $5,000 — fine per violation under New York's SAFE for Kids Act
- Spring 2027 — potential start date for UK social media ban for under-16s
- Under 16 — age threshold for parental consent laws in Ohio, California, and UK plans
Yes, but: Enforcement and compliance mechanisms for these laws remain under development. Age verification technologies raise privacy concerns and practical hurdles for platforms, and judicial interpretations may vary across jurisdictions.
What's next: UK parliamentary debate on the under-16 social media ban is set for late 2026, with regulatory frameworks expected to follow.