Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act adopted
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act (CWSA) received Royal Assent on 29 April.
While the House of Lords failed in its attempts to introduce a ban on social media for under 16s, we may soon see such a move subject to the current government consultation which explores the idea of an age-limit.
The CWSA amends the Online Safety Act 2023 by giving the Secretary of State power to require internet service providers to restrict access by children to certain internet services. It also brings AI chatbots within the scope of the Online Safety Act.
The CWSA also amends the UK GDPR so that the Secretary of State may, via regulations, amend the age of digital consent under Article 8 UK GDPR. The age of digital consent, 13, may now be set between 13 and 16.
The Secretary of State must report on progress with these regulations by 29 July 2026.
See:
- Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
- The Consultation “Growing up in the online world” closes on 26 May 2026.
- Government suggests proportionate interventions to enhance children’s privacy - PL&B Report May 2026