UK to Ban Under-16s From Major Social Media Platforms

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms as part of a sweeping effort to improve online safety for young people.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the proposal on Monday, arguing that social media platforms expose children to harmful content and features designed to encourage excessive use.

According to the government, the planned restriction will apply to platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube. Messaging applications such as WhatsApp will not be affected by the ban.

Starmer said the move was necessary to protect children from online risks and improve their wellbeing.

“Social media is making too many young people unhappy and exposing them to dangerous content,” he said.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced later this year, with the government aiming to pass the regulation by December and implement the ban within months in 2027.

The policy follows the example of Australia, which became the first nation to ban social media use for children under 16 in December 2025. Similar measures are also being considered in countries including Canada and France.

The UK government said it is also exploring additional safeguards, including overnight restrictions on social media use by minors and measures to limit endless scrolling features that encourage prolonged screen time.

Children’s welfare groups offered mixed reactions to the proposal. While some welcomed the move as a significant step toward protecting young users, others warned that a blanket ban could push teenagers toward less regulated online spaces where they may face greater risks.

Technology companies have also expressed concerns. Representatives of YouTube argued that broad restrictions could drive young users away from safer, moderated platforms and toward less secure alternatives.

Alongside the social media ban, the government announced plans to strengthen protections on gaming and live-streaming services by preventing strangers from contacting children online.

Officials further disclosed that technology firms, including major smartphone manufacturers, would be required to introduce tools that prevent minors from creating, sending or receiving explicit images.

The proposals form part of a broader strategy aimed at improving child safety online and reducing exposure to harmful digital content across the United Kingdom.