Lawyers are advising separated parents to “act now” ahead of a planned ban on social media use for children under 16. The Irish Mirror reports that the government announced the measure in June 2026, with implementation expected in Northern Ireland by early 2027. The guidance is aimed at separated parents who share responsibility for a child and may need to adjust day-to-day arrangements as the restriction approaches. While the reports focus on the timing and the need for preparation, they also reflect the broader expectation that families will have to consider how children will access online platforms once the ban is enforced. The articles do not describe specific legal consequences or enforcement mechanisms, but they present the new rule as a change that parents and guardians should plan for in advance. Overall, the coverage highlights the approaching start date and the legal professionals’ call for separated parents to take steps early rather than waiting until the ban begins.