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UK to ban social media for under-16s, PM Starmer announces

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media access for all children under 16.
  • The proposed ban aims to protect children from dangerous content and addictive platforms, with specific platforms like TikTok and Instagram included.
  • The government hopes to implement the regulation by spring next year, influenced by Australia's similar ban and a public consultation showing strong parental support.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the United Kingdom will implement a comprehensive ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. Starmer stated that these platforms "are making children unhappy" and "exposing them to content that is dangerous" and "designed to be addictive."

will ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16

— Keir StarmerAnnouncing the forthcoming ban on social media for minors.

The proposed legislation will encompass popular platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, though it will not affect messaging services like WhatsApp. The government aims to enact the regulation by late December, with the ban taking effect in the spring of the following year. Additionally, the government is considering "world-leading action on gaming services and live streaming platforms," including potential overnight curfews and mandatory breaks from infinite scrolling for those under 18.

making children unhappy

— Keir StarmerStating the reason behind the proposed social media ban for under-16s.

This move by the UK government is partly inspired by Australia, which became the first nation to prohibit social media use for those under 16 in December. The announcement follows a government-led consultation that included trials of social media bans and time limits among British teenagers. The consultation received approximately 116,000 responses, with over 83% of parents agreeing that social media risks outweighed benefits for children, and 91% supporting a minimum age of 16.

exposing them to content that is dangerous

— Keir StarmerExplaining the risks associated with social media for young people.

YouTube, however, issued a warning that a blanket ban could drive children toward "less safe services." Prime Minister Starmer also addressed concerns about online interactions, drawing a parallel to offline safety by questioning the acceptability of allowing children to connect with unknown adults online. Further details on actions concerning gaming and live streaming platforms are expected in July.

designed to be addictive

— Keir StarmerHighlighting the addictive nature of social media platforms.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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