UK moves toward under-16 social media restrictions

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the government will move ahead with new restrictions aimed at children under 16. The proposal would block access to major social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. It would also extend beyond traditional social media to some gaming and live-streaming services, where children can contact strangers online. Starmer said the measures would reflect British values, protect children online, and draw a boundary around the influence of large technology companies. He added that he believes a total ban is the right choice. According to the plan, the first stage of the rules should take shape by the end of the year, while implementation could begin in spring 2027. The policy would apply to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The move follows Australia, which became the first country to enforce a social media ban for under-16s last December, covering platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. After that, several other countries began considering similar rules because of possible effects on children’s health and safety.