UK Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 in Major Online Safety Push
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, marking one of the most ambitious online safety measures proposed by any government so far.
The planned social media ban would apply to popular platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. However, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are expected to be excluded from the restrictions.
The government is also targeting certain artificial intelligence tools. AI “romantic companion” chatbots would be required to ensure that only users aged 18 and over can access them, amid growing concerns about the impact of these services on young people.
According to Starmer, the ban could be introduced as early as next spring. The U.K. government says the measure is intended to give parents more control over their children’s online lives and help young people enjoy a healthier childhood away from addictive digital platforms.
The proposal places the U.K. among a growing number of countries taking action to protect children online. Australia introduced a similar ban last year, while Canada, France, and Denmark are also exploring stronger rules around children’s access to social media.
Speaking at a press conference, Starmer argued that many parents are already seeing the negative effects of social media on children.
“Every parent can see it with their own eyes, social media is making children unhappy,” he said. He added that these platforms can make it easier for bullies to harass children and may expose young users to harmful content designed to keep them scrolling for long periods.
Starmer also criticized features such as infinite scroll, saying they are intentionally built to keep users engaged for hours. He said excessive social media use can take time away from important childhood activities, including reading, playing outdoors, sleeping properly, and building real-world social skills.
The government says the proposed ban is part of a wider effort to “put power back in parents’ hands” and protect children from online harms. Earlier this year, officials consulted parents, young people, and civil society groups to understand whether stricter rules would be welcomed.
The response showed strong concern among parents. More than 83% of parents who took part in the consultation said they believe the risks of social media outweigh the benefits for children.
Despite broad public support, some experts have questioned whether a blanket ban on social media for under-16s would be practical or effective. Enforcing age restrictions online has long been a challenge, especially when young users can try to bypass checks by entering false birth dates or using other methods.
Starmer acknowledged that enforcement would not be simple, but insisted that the government believes it can be done. If passed, the U.K.’s plan could become one of the toughest social media age restriction policies in the world and may influence how other countries regulate children’s access to online platforms.
