Britain’s government will ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday, as the United Kingdom joins the growing list of countries tightening online safety for children. The restrictions, expected to take effect next year, would apply to platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube. YouTube Kids, as well as messaging services, will not be subject to the ban. The policy aims to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time, while forcing technology companies to take greater responsibility.
In a video posted to X, Starmer framed the measure as a “big step” for the United Kingdom, emphasizing that the government is prepared to go toe to toe with companies against the ban.
“It’s fair to say that this decision has been resisted,” Starmer said. “It will face resistance from some of the most powerful companies in the world. But we will take them on and we will win.”
Companies that fail to comply with the exclusion of children younger than 16 from their platforms could be subject to millions of dollars in fines.
The prime minister said banning access to social media comes from a place of concern for the mental well-being and safety of children in the U.K., noting parents say their children and teenagers are “addicted” to social media.
