The United Kingdom is set to introduce sweeping restrictions on children’s access to social media, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing plans to prohibit users under the age of 16 from accessing major social networking platforms.
Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the proposed measure is aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content and addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being.
According to the British government, the ban will apply to popular platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. However, messaging services including WhatsApp are expected to be exempt from the restrictions, The News Edition reports.
The legislation is expected to be introduced later this year, with lawmakers aiming to secure its passage by December and begin implementation in the spring of next year.
Government Targets Online Safety
Starmer argued that social media platforms have contributed to rising levels of anxiety and unhappiness among children by exposing them to addictive and potentially harmful content.
The proposed policy forms part of a broader digital safety agenda that will also focus on online gaming platforms and live-streaming services where children may interact with strangers.
Government officials said additional measures under consideration include overnight restrictions on app usage and limits on features such as infinite scrolling for users under the age of 18.
More details on the proposed regulations are expected to be released in July.
Inspired by Global Trends
The Prime Minister said the policy was influenced by developments in other countries, particularly Australia, which became the first nation to introduce a nationwide social media ban for under-16s.
The announcement followed a government consultation involving teenagers who tested various social media controls, including screen-time limits and content restrictions.
Reacting to the proposal, a spokesperson for YouTube cautioned that a blanket ban could have unintended consequences by driving young users toward less regulated and potentially less secure online platforms.
Focus on Gaming and Live Streaming
Beyond social media, Starmer expressed concern about online gaming environments and live-streaming services that allow communication between children and unknown adults.
He argued that the same safeguards applied in physical spaces should be reflected online, noting that parents would not ordinarily permit unrestricted interaction between children and strangers in real-world settings.
The UK joins a growing number of countries tightening regulations on children’s online activities. Canada recently introduced legislation aimed at restricting social media access for under-16s while strengthening oversight of artificial intelligence chatbot content.
Other countries, including Indonesia and several European nations, are also exploring or implementing stricter digital safety measures for minors as governments seek to address growing concerns about the effects of online platforms on young users.
If approved, the new law would represent one of the most comprehensive attempts by a major Western country to regulate children’s access to social media and digital platforms.