Britain has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision has been taken to protect children’s wellbeing and help them grow up in a safer environment.
While announcing the ban, Starmer said that children today are growing up in a world where technology affects almost every part of their lives. He said the government wants to “give children their childhoods back” and ensure they are protected from online harms.
Under the new policy, the UK will not only ban social media access for under-16s but will also introduce additional restrictions. According to British government officials, children will be prevented from interacting with strangers on gaming apps, and livestreaming features on platforms considered safer will also face restrictions.
The government is also considering introducing social media curfews for children. More details about these possible curfews are expected to be released next month.
The move follows a three-month government consultation that looked at different ways to reduce children’s exposure to harmful online content. The consultation examined both a complete social media ban and other measures aimed at improving online safety.
Britain is now the fourth country to introduce such a ban, following Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Australia became the first country in the world to impose a full social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025.
According to a report by The Sunday Times, the UK is expected to ban under-16s from using the same ten platforms already covered by Australia’s law. These include TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, X, Threads, Facebook and Kick.
The report also said the UK may go further than Australia by introducing curfews for older teenagers and placing limits on AI chatbots.
Starmer described online safety as one of the biggest issues facing society today. He said parents want their children to grow up safe and happy, and that the government must stand with families and take action where the current system is not working.
The consultation received 116,000 responses. Among parents who took part, 90% supported a social media ban for under-16s, while more than 83% said the risks of social media outweigh its benefits.
The consultation also looked at other safety measures, including turning off features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, strengthening age verification systems, introducing curfews and limiting the use of AI chatbots.
However, some campaigners have argued that broad restrictions like these could create new problems. Despite those concerns, the government is expected to announce plans that combine a social media ban with additional restrictions on livestreaming, contact with strangers through gaming apps and possible curfews for children.
Also Read: Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Wipes Out Nearly 5 Mn Accounts https://www.vibesofindia.com/australias-under-16-social-media-ban-wipes-out-nearly-5-mn-accounts/
