The United Kingdom has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, marking one of the most far-reaching online safety measures introduced by any major country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on Monday, saying the move is aimed at reducing the impact of technology on young people's lives and improving online safety.
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In a video message posted on X, Starmer said, "We are banning social media access for under 16s. These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life. I just can't let that go on anymore. So we're giving children their childhoods back."
We are banning social media access for under 16s.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2026
These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.
I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back. pic.twitter.com/jn7iQrcwk8
Parents back tougher restrictions
The decision follows a government consultation that drew more than 1,16,000 responses from parents, young people and industry stakeholders.
According to Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, nine in 10 parents who responded supported a ban for under-16s. More than 83 per cent of parents said the risks associated with social media outweighed its benefits, while 90% supported setting 16 as the minimum age for access, reported CNN.
The government had considered two options: a complete ban for under-16s or restrictions on specific features of social media platforms and apps.
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Gaming and livestreaming platforms also affected
The new measures will extend beyond social media sites such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. Starmer said restrictions would also apply to gaming and livestreaming platforms that allow children to communicate with strangers online.
“It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice,” he said.
“This will change the conversations that parents have and the expectations of children over time. It will make a huge difference, it will make our children safer, it will make our children happier, it will give them more time, more security, more freedom to grow up, more opportunity”.
Explaining the government's approach to online interactions, Starmer added, “Is there a situation in the offline world where you would just let your child pair up with a stranger, an adult that you don’t know anything about? No, so we’re taking action on that.”
I am simply not prepared to be a bystander when the safety and happiness of our children are at stake.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2026
We will ban social media access for under 16s, and give children their childhoods back.
Read more about it here: https://t.co/oqX7ufHB4R pic.twitter.com/3ZxmVFG0OY
Regulations expected by year-end
The UK government already has powers to begin implementing parts of the ban, with detailed regulations expected by the end of the year and the restrictions likely to come into force next spring.
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The move follows a similar step taken by Australia, which introduced a social media ban for children under 16 last year. Several other countries are also exploring stricter regulations amid growing concerns about the impact of excessive online activity on children's wellbeing and safety.
FAQs:
Who will be affected by the UK's social media ban?
The proposed restrictions will apply to children under the age of 16.
Which platforms could be impacted by the new rules?
The government said platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, along with certain gaming and livestreaming services, could be covered by the restrictions.
