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UK to ban social media for under-16s by spring 2026

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • The UK plans to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for children under 16, expected by spring 2026.
  • The ban will encompass major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, aiming to protect children's well-being and childhood.
  • The government will also introduce measures to block harmful functions like livestreaming and communication with strangers on gaming and streaming platforms for under-16s.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will introduce a full ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. This prohibition, slated to take effect by next spring, will target platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, while excluding messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal.

give kids their childhood back

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister of the UK, explaining the rationale behind the planned social media ban for under-16s.

Starmer stated at a press conference that the initiative aims to "give kids their childhood back" and foster environments where children are "safer, happier, and more secure." In parallel with the social media ban, the government intends to implement what it describes as "world-leading blocks" on features such as livestreaming and interactions with unknown individuals on gaming and streaming platforms accessible to those under 16.

The legislative approach will mirror Australia's model, which enacted a similar ban for under-16s in December. The UK government asserts it possesses the necessary legal authority to initiate the process, with regulations expected by the end of the year and the ban implemented around spring 2026. This decision follows a public consultation that garnered over 116,000 responses, with a significant majority of parents supporting a minimum age of 16 for social media use.

safer, happier, and more secure

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister of the UK, describing the intended outcomes of the social media ban for children.

Despite strong parental backing, some psychologists and researchers have expressed skepticism regarding the ban's effectiveness. A group of schoolchildren also conveyed mixed feelings about the technology. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the public's expectation for action, drawing a parallel to offline safety: "Is there a situation in the offline world where you would just let your child pair up with a stranger, an adult that you don't know anything about? No, so we're taking action on that." The specifics of age verification remain to be detailed.

Is there a situation in the offline world where you would just let your child pair up with a stranger, an adult that you don't know anything about? No, so we're taking action on that.

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister of the UK, justifying the government's decision to ban social media for minors by comparing it to offline safety concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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