UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Social Media Ban for Under-16s

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, describing the move as a major step toward protecting young people from online harm. The announcement was made on Monday during a speech at Downing Street.

According to Starmer, the government plans to introduce legislation before the end of 2026, with the ban expected to take effect from spring 2027. The policy will prevent under-16s from accessing major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook and other popular apps.

The Prime Minister said social media has contributed to bullying, abuse and mental health challenges among young people, adding that the government has a responsibility to put children’s safety ahead of the interests of technology companies.

In addition to the social media restrictions, the government plans to tighten rules on gaming and livestreaming platforms by limiting children’s ability to communicate with strangers online. Other measures under consideration include restrictions on certain AI chatbots and features designed to keep young users engaged for long periods.

The decision follows a nationwide consultation that received more than 116,000 responses. Government figures show that a large majority of parents supported raising the minimum age for social media access to 16.

While supporters have welcomed the move as a landmark child-safety measure, critics argue that enforcing the ban could prove challenging, with concerns that some teenagers may attempt to bypass age-verification systems or move to less regulated platforms.

If implemented as planned, the UK will join a growing number of countries introducing strict online safety rules aimed at protecting children and teenagers in the digital age.