The United Kingdom is preparing to introduce a nationwide ban that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday.
The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament before the end of the year, with the restrictions set to take effect in early 2027. The move comes after growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health, safety, and overall well-being.
Under the planned rules, children under 16 would be blocked from creating or using accounts on major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X. The government is also considering restrictions on livestreaming services and online gaming platforms where children can communicate with strangers.
Starmer said the government was taking action because protecting children online had become a national priority. He acknowledged that the ban would not be perfect and that some young people might still find ways around the restrictions, but argued that this should not prevent the government from acting.
The decision follows a public consultation that received more than 116,000 responses from parents, young people, experts, and industry groups. According to government figures, the vast majority of parents who participated supported raising the minimum age for social media access to 16.
Supporters of the proposal say it is a necessary step to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, online bullying, addictive algorithms, and interactions with strangers. Parent groups and child safety campaigners have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major milestone in improving online safety.
However, critics argue that a blanket ban may not solve the problem and could push teenagers toward less regulated platforms. Some experts have also warned that social media can provide educational benefits, support networks, and opportunities for creativity when used responsibly.
Technology companies have expressed concerns about the proposal. Several firms argue that existing parental controls and safety tools can help protect young users without requiring a complete ban. Others have called for a universal age-verification system to avoid requiring users to repeatedly submit identification documents across multiple platforms.
The UK's plan follows similar measures introduced in Australia and reflects a growing global debate about how governments should regulate children's access to social media. Several countries across Europe are also exploring stricter rules for young users.
If approved, the legislation would represent one of the toughest social media restrictions for children anywhere in the world and could influence similar policies in other nations.
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