The government has paired family-facing guidance with a formal process to shape children’s online safety policy. A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology press release on 3 April urges parents to use the free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ toolkit over the Easter break, while the national consultation remains open until 11:59pm on 26 May 2026. (gov.uk)
The consultation sets out options including a statutory minimum age for social media; restrictions on ‘addictive’ design features such as infinite scroll and autoplay; tighter rules for AI chatbots used by young people; a possible increase in the digital age of consent; requirements for effective age assurance; and placing school mobile phone guidance on a statutory footing. The package is framed as building on the Online Safety Act’s existing protections for children. (gov.uk)
Ministers indicate any action could follow quickly once evidence is assessed. The consultation page states that on 16 February 2026 the Prime Minister announced new legal powers to implement measures ‘within months’ after the government response, expected in summer 2026. A separate No.10 statement confirmed parallel moves to bring AI chatbots explicitly within illegal‑content duties. (gov.uk)
Participation routes are designed for different audiences. Three surveys are live: a full technical consultation for organisations and the public, a shorter survey for parents and carers of under‑21s, and a dedicated survey for children and young people aged 10–21. DSIT will also gather views through events nationwide and will publish a summary of responses after closure. (gov.uk)
For platforms, the direction of travel points to tougher access controls and product changes. A statutory age threshold and overnight curfews on features that drive excessive use would require credible age assurance, clearer in‑service reporting routes, and changes to recommendation and autoplay systems. These measures would sit alongside Ofcom’s enforcement powers under the Online Safety Act. (gov.uk)
For schools, making mobile phone guidance statutory would formalise expectations now set out in non‑statutory advice. Governing bodies should be prepared to review behaviour policies, plan communications with parents, and consider reasonable adjustments once final policy is confirmed. (gov.uk)
Alongside regulation, government is promoting practical support. The Kids Online Safety site provides conversation prompts, reporting routes and parental‑control guidance as part of the ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign. DSIT reports more than 120,000 visits since February and thousands of families setting weekly check‑ins. (kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk)
Early‑years advice was published on the Best Start in Life hub on 27 March 2026. It recommends avoiding screen time for under‑twos and aiming for about one hour a day for two‑to‑five‑year‑olds, with emphasis on shared use, screen‑free mealtimes and bedtimes, and caution about AI toys, tools and chatbots. (beststartinlife.gov.uk)
Officials emphasise that regulation alone will not shift behaviour immediately; the minister for AI and Online Safety has framed the consultation and the parenting campaign as complementary-strengthened platform accountability alongside support that helps families set boundaries and talk about online content. (gov.uk)
Key dates are fixed. Responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on 26 May 2026. The government intends to publish its response in summer 2026 and says new legal powers mean any follow‑on measures could be implemented faster than a full legislative cycle. Respondents should select the survey most relevant to them and reference practical experience and evidence where possible. (gov.uk)