As concerns mount over the impact of social media on young people, the United Kingdom has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing online platforms.
The move comes amid growing calls for tougher online safety measures, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer met families whose children died in incidents linked to online harms and reviewed the impact of similar reforms introduced in Australia.
The proposal was unveiled on Monday as part of the government’s broader strategy to give children “the best start in life” and promote a safer digital environment for future generations.
Under the plan, the UK intends to adopt a model similar to Australia’s, which introduced a social media ban for under-16s last December.
The restrictions would apply to user-to-user platforms designed for social interaction and those that allow users to create and share content through algorithm-driven feeds.
If implemented, the ban would cover major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal would not be affected.
Speaking on the proposal, Starmer said the government hopes to pass the necessary legislation before Christmas, with the restrictions expected to take effect by the spring of 2027.
“A full ban is the right choice. I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” the prime minister said in a televised statement.
The government said the measures are intended to drive a cultural shift in how children engage with the digital world and reduce exposure to harmful online content.