Children’s mental health and social media: creating a healthier online environment

The online world is now a central part of childhood. Around eight in 10 UK children aged three to 17 are estimated to have at least one active social media profile, with research showing that this can have both positive and negative consequences for children and young people, including in terms of their health. Against a backdrop of worsening children’s mental health, this King's Fund event will explore what it will take to create a healthier online environment for children. 

Australia introduced world-first restrictions on access to social media for under-16s in December 2025, and the UK Government has announced plans to pursue a similar approach, due to come into force in Spring 2027. Hearing from those driving these changes in the UK and internationally, this event will consider what the UK can learn from Australia’s experience. 

We will also consider the role of government, technology companies, schools, health services, families and communities in supporting children and young people online. Looking beyond restrictions on access to social media alone, what action may be needed across society to create a healthy online environment, and how can children and young people themselves be involved in shaping the discussion? 

This event forms part of The King's Fund's Healthy childhoods: shared responsibility for growing up well project, which explores how the different people, organisations and sectors that shape children's health can work together to help children grow up as healthy as possible.  

The session will also include an opportunity for questions from the online audience. 

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