Under-16s face social media ban as UK unveils tough new online rules / Image – File
Children under the age of 16 will be banned from using major social media platforms under what the government calls the most significant overhaul of children’s online safety rules in a generation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.Unveiled in Downing Street on Monday, the measures aim to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, exposure to harmful content and contact with strangers online.
The plans go beyond Australia’s recent restrictions and have been described by government sources as an “Australia plus” model.The campaign is expected to include major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and other services deemed to pose risks to children.
Additional restrictions will also be imposed on gaming platforms and AI-powered chatbots.
Prime Minister Starmer says system is ‘failing children’
Announcing the policy, Starmer described the move as a “huge moment for our country” and said social media companies had operated for too long without adequate safeguards for young users.He said children are routinely exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive features designed to maximize screen time.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that social media could offer benefits, but insisted that protecting children must come first.Speaking in Downing Street, Starmer said he was “not prepared to compromise the safety and happiness of our children”, adding that the current system failed to adequately protect young people online.The Prime Minister also stressed that the government would not be deterred by concerns that some teenagers might try to bypass restrictions, arguing that the laws are designed to set standards and protect children even when implementation is difficult.
What platforms could be affected?
While the government has not yet published a final list of platforms covered by the ban, ministers have indicated that the restrictions will apply to many of the world’s largest social media networks.The platforms expected to be included are TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Threads, and more details will be announced during implementation.The government is also targeting features that allow children to interact with strangers online.
Under the proposals, gaming platforms would face tougher controls and younger users could lose access to functions such as direct messaging with unknown adults.Officials say the goal is not just to limit access to social media, but to reduce opportunities for grooming, bullying and harmful interactions that can occur via digital platforms.
Ban AI and late night scrolling
The government’s plans extend beyond traditional social media.Under the proposed rules, people under the age of 18 would be banned from accessing romantic or sexual AI-powered chatbots amid growing concerns about inappropriate interactions between minors and AI tools.The government is also preparing restrictions aimed at curbing excessive social media use among older teenagers. These include measures designed to reduce late-night scrolling and limit addictive features such as infinite scrolling algorithms.
Reports indicate that specific restrictions may apply after the evening hours, although final details have not yet been confirmed.Ministers say many online products are deliberately designed to maximize engagement and keep young users online for long periods, often at the expense of sleep, wellbeing and mental health.
Parents in the UK support stricter rules
The announcement follows one of the UK Government’s largest ever consultations on children’s online safety.More than 116,000 responses were submitted, and ministers said the results showed overwhelming public support for tougher measures. According to the government, about 90% of parents supported raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16, while 83% said the risks of social media outweigh its benefits for children.Government sources said the Prime Minister’s position had become tougher after reviewing consultation responses and hearing the concerns of parents, activists and families affected by online harms.At the event in Downing Street, Starmer was joined by campaigners and parents who have long called for stronger safeguards for children online, with the Prime Minister acknowledging their role in pushing for change.
When will the ban be implemented?
The government says the new rules are expected to come into effect from spring 2027, giving tech companies time to introduce age verification systems and adapt their services.Ministers are exploring various implementation options, including age guarantee technology and strengthening regulatory powers. The Government has indicated that it may use existing legislation as well as new legal measures where necessary to ensure compliance.Tech companies are expected to face significant pressure to implement the changes, with Starmer indicating that the government is prepared to challenge Big Tech if they resist.