The UK government has announced a social media ban for under-16s

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK is the latest country to follow Australia in implementing a comprehensive social media ban for children under 16. The ban, which could come into effect from early next year, will be joined by broader measures that will also prevent children from talking to strangers in online games, live streaming, or using sexual or romantic chat programs.

“Do we really believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children? Do we really believe that it is a place where they can feel safe?” – asked Starmer During a press conference Policy announcement. “I don’t think I need to answer these questions, do I?”

“Every parent can see this with their own eyes,” he added. “Social media makes kids miserable. It makes it easy for bullies to harass and abuse them, it can harm their mental health, and exposes them to dangerous content because that’s what gets attention. It’s designed to be addictive – of course it is. Features like Infinite Scroll – it’s designed to keep you hooked for hours.”

Banned social media apps will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, although messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be covered. “Romantic chatbots” would have to enforce a minimum age of 18, and “intimate functions” would have to be restricted for under-18s in more general AI tools. Along with restrictions on gaming and streaming platforms, the UK government has imposed He said in a statement It said its new policy would “go further than any other country” in restricting the time children spend online.

The restrictions may eventually go further, with the government also considering an “all-night curfew and endless browsing periods for under-18s”, with an announcement planned next month.

UK regulator Ofcom has been tasked with determining the best age verification procedures for this policy. The UK has required extensive age verification measures Since last summer Under the Internet Safety Act, which requires some websites to restrict access to people under 18 to prevent them from accessing pornography or content seen as dangerous. Age verification typically requires users to either upload credit card or government-issued ID information, or consent to a facial scan to estimate their age.

Technology Minister Liz Kendall said: “Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, but have failed to act.” “That’s why we’re taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in the hands of parents.”

The government says the legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament before the end of the year, and that the first set of regulations could come into force from spring 2027. Australia ban On social media for children under 16, it came into effect in December 2025, and several governments around the world are now developing or considering similar laws, including Canada, France, Spain and Denmark.