Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a full ban on under-16s accessing social media platforms in a sweeping set of online reforms, with several platforms named
Starmer made the announcement today(Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled extensive online reforms across the UK, including a complete prohibition on under-16s using social media platforms.
Describing it as a “big moment for the country”, the Prime Minister made the announcement at a Downing Street press conference today (Monday 15) that children will be banned from platforms.
He confirmed it will also introduce restrictions on features such as livestreaming and communication with strangers for under-16s across a broader spectrum of online services, including gaming platforms.
These functionality restrictions will also be enabled by default for 16 and 17-year-olds to avoid a sudden change at 16.
Addressing a room filled with campaigners and journalists, Starmer said it was evident to him that “a full ban is the right choice”. He added: “This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.
“But government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. I come to it as a parent myself.
“I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we’re thinking about this issue.”
Sir Keir Starmer stated the ban is anticipated to take effect in Spring 2027, with regulation ‘hoping to pass before Christmas 2026.’
The Government said it will also be examining overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18-year-olds in greater detail, with further information to be released in July.. So-called AI ‘romantic companion’ chatbots – designed to simulate sexual relationships or roleplay with users – will be required to enforce a minimum age of 18.
Similar intimate features will be restricted for under-18s on AI chatbots more broadly.
What social media platforms will be banned to under 16s?
The Government stated the prohibition will encompass platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
However, messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal will NOT be covered by the social media ban.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever.
“I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them.
“That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.
“This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations.”
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