The United Kingdom has announced a ban preventing children below the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, as part of government efforts to reduce the impact of technology on young people’s lives.
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, disclosed the policy in a video message shared on X, stating that the move was aimed at protecting children and allowing them to have a more balanced childhood.
“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,” Starmer said.
He added that the government could no longer ignore the growing influence of social media on children, saying the decision was intended to “give children their childhoods back.”
The announcement follows increasing concerns globally about the effects of social media use on young people’s mental health, online safety, and exposure to harmful content.
Reports indicate that the UK government plans to rely on existing laws, including the Online Safety Act and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, to enforce age restrictions and regulate access.
The new measure is reportedly influenced by similar steps taken by Australia, which introduced restrictions in 2025 preventing under-16s from using major social media platforms that allow user interaction and content sharing.
Platforms expected to be affected include services such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, among others.
