UK Plans Social Media Ban For Under-16s In Major Online Safety Push

The UK government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, in what would be one of the most far-reaching restrictions on young people’s online activity introduced by a Western country.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the proposed measures are aimed at protecting children from harmful online content, cyberbullying and the addictive features of social media platforms.

The restrictions would apply to services including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp are expected to be exempt.

Announcing the policy on Monday, Starmer said the government had concluded that a full ban was the best way to improve children’s safety and wellbeing online.

The government argues that social media is contributing to rising concerns about mental health, exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time among young people.

The proposal forms part of a wider package of online safety measures. Under the plans, additional restrictions would also be placed on gaming and livestreaming services used by children. Features that allow young users to communicate with strangers online could be limited, while stricter controls are also being considered for artificial intelligence chatbots and other digital services.

The government said public support for tougher online protections was strong. According to consultation findings cited by ministers, around nine in ten parents supported raising the minimum age for social media access to 16.

If approved by Parliament, the measures are expected to come into force from spring 2027, with social media companies required to implement stronger age-verification systems to prevent underage access. Regulators will also examine ways to stop children from bypassing the restrictions.

The announcement has sparked debate among technology companies, researchers and child safety advocates.

Supporters say the move is a necessary response to growing evidence linking excessive social media use to anxiety, depression and other challenges facing young people. They argue that stronger safeguards are needed to give children a healthier digital environment.

Critics, however, have questioned how effectively the ban can be enforced. Some experts warn that teenagers may turn to virtual private networks (VPNs) or unregulated platforms to bypass restrictions, potentially exposing them to greater risks.

Others argue that governments should focus more on regulating harmful algorithms and platform design rather than introducing blanket bans.

The UK joins a growing number of countries seeking tougher controls on children’s access to social media. Australia has already introduced similar age-based restrictions, while governments elsewhere continue to examine ways to strengthen online safety protections for minors.

The proposal is expected to face further parliamentary scrutiny in the coming months as lawmakers debate its practical, legal and privacy implications before any legislation is finalised.