British prime minister Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s in the UK from big social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”.In a big policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, Starmer will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban – such as gaming apps – will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed.There will also be restrictions for older teenagers up to the age of 18 that prevent “scrolling” late at night.Australia became the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025. Children are restricted from 10 big platforms – TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Twitch and Kick – and UK government sources indicated that its ban on big platforms would apply to a similar range of apps.Starmer is due to announce the ban on Monday morning after months of pressure to act. “How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time. As a dad, I know every parent wants their child to grow up safe and happy,” he will say.“This is a choice about whose side we’re on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn’t working. People rightly expect action, and this government will always stand up for parents and put children first. That’s why we will call time on a system that’s failing our kids and take bold action to give every child the best possible start in life.”The government’s decision to opt for stricter measures is likely to draw criticism from some MPs and campaigners.Government sources said protecting teenagers from harmful addictive content, such as through infinite scrolling, as well as from contact with strangers, were the key drivers of the hardline measures.Under-18s will also be banned from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots. “There are no half measures here,” one said.The government may need to legislate to enforce the ban and to give itself flexibility to adapt to new technology, though the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act does give ministers some powers already.The government said on Sunday that nine out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16 for accessing the apps in responses supplied to its “growing up in the online world” consultation.A 12 year old Australian boy reads a book in his bedroom in the Warabrook suburb of Newcastle, Australia. Australia's social media ban for under-16s took effect last year. Photograph: Adam Ferguson/The New York Times