Government says Gibraltar "very likely" to follow UK under 16s social media ban

The Government says it's very likely Gibraltar will follow the UK's lead in banning social media use for under 16s, and may even do so before legislation is passed in the UK Parliament.

In answer to GBC questions, Number six said the Government shares the concerns expressed by the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and by the UK Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall.

The Government says it's awaiting sight of the proposed legislation and expect to be in a position to legislate at the same time as, or ahead of, the UK.

Meanwhile, Smartphone Free Childhood Gibraltar has welcomed plans by the UK Government to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s.

The proposed legislation, announced by Keir Starmer and Liz Kendall, is expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas, with protections coming into force in Spring 2027. The measures would apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

The local group hopes Gibraltar will consider introducing similar protections, building on its existing school mobile phone ban to support healthier childhoods in the digital age.