UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in 'Australia-Plus' Plan

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a plan to ban children under 16 from major social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The government also intends to prevent minors from live-streaming on safer sites and restrict their communication with strangers via gaming apps.

Details of potential restrictions on when children can use social media are still being analyzed, with full specifics expected next month. Sources within the British government describe the plan, slated for presentation on Monday, June 15, as "Australia-plus." This refers to Australia's December 2025 implementation of the world's first total ban on social media for under-16s.

“

It is a choice that shows whose side we are on: the side of families across the country or the side of a status quo that is not working.

"It is a choice that shows whose side we are on: the side of families across the country or the side of a status quo that is not working," Starmer stated, vowing to "end a system that is failing our children." While a public consultation showed strong support for the ban, with approximately 90% of participating parents favoring it and over 83% deeming the risks to outweigh the benefits, some critics voice concerns.

“

end a system that is failing our children.

Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who died by suicide after exposure to harmful online content, argues the ban would create a false sense of security. He believes it would push children to other internet areas and limit their communication options. Russell advocates for better platform regulation over outright bans, accusing Starmer of rushing the measure for political gain. "If he is playing politics with this, then he is playing with the lives of young people, and I find that deplorable," he said.

Organizations like NSPCC suggest that tech companies should be compelled to make their platforms safer rather than simply removing them from children's access. The companies themselves maintain their commitment to protecting minors. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated that technology firms have had ample time to improve platform safety.

“

If he is playing politics with this, then he is playing with the lives of young people, and I find that deplorable.