The United Kingdom has announced a sweeping restriction on social media access for users under the age of 16, with additional limits planned for older teenagers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the policy during a Downing Street briefing on Monday, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen online protections for children.
Under the new framework, under-16s will be barred from using social media platforms altogether. Features such as livestreaming and tools that enable communication with strangers will also be restricted, while 17-year-olds will face default limitations on certain functions.
Starmer said the decision reflects a firm stance on child safety online. “A full ban is the right choice,” he stated, adding that he was not “prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.” He further emphasized, “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen.”
The announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment for Starmer, following poor local election results in May and ahead of a closely watched by-election in Makerfield. The contest has been linked to potential leadership challenges within Labour, including speculation around figures such as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, both of whom have expressed support for stricter online rules.
