British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, describing the move as necessary to protect young people from online harm and addiction.
The proposed legislation, expected to be passed before Christmas, would come into effect by spring 2027 if approved by Parliament.
Platforms expected to be affected include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt from the ban.
Speaking at a press conference from Downing Street, Starmer said social media was negatively impacting children’s wellbeing, education and safety.
“Social media is making children unhappy,” Starmer said.
He argued that social media platforms are making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse children and are harming young people’s mental health.
“It is designed to be addictive, with features that lock you in for hours,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the ban would provide children with more security, freedom and opportunities to develop without the pressures of social media.
“A full ban is the right choice,” Starmer said. “All I’ve ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe. I think that’s what any parent wants.”
He added that the government would not compromise on child protection.
“I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen,” he declared.
Starmer said the UK government had studied similar measures introduced in Australia, which became the first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for under-16s in December 2025.
The government plans to adopt a similar model targeting user-to-user platforms that enable social interaction and content sharing through algorithms.
Beyond social media restrictions, Starmer revealed plans for what he described as “world-leading action” on gaming services and livestreaming platforms, including measures aimed at preventing strangers from contacting children online without adequate safeguards.
The Prime Minister also linked excessive social media use to declining educational and social outcomes among young people.
“Social media stops children from doing their homework, reading, playing with their friends, and going to bed at a decent hour,” he said.
“That may not sound like much, but these are activities that help a child develop into an adult.”
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Starmer said children today face challenges previous generations did not experience.
“To be honest, I feel for this generation,” he said.
Despite the restrictions, Starmer stressed that the government remains committed to harnessing technology for economic growth and social development.
“We still believe we must harness the power of technology to build a stronger, fairer Britain,” he said.
