Starmer set to ban under-16s from major social media platforms
Starmer set to ban under-16s from major social media platforms
Starmer set to ban under 16s - Sir Keir Starmer, the UK's prime minister, is preparing to implement a ban on children under 16 accessing leading social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The government also plans to restrict livestreaming on "safer" platforms and limit communication with strangers on gaming apps. Further details about the policy, including potential curfews for older teenagers, will be announced next month.
Australia's precedent and UK's expansion
Australia introduced the world’s first comprehensive ban on social media for children under 16 in December 2025. Whitehall officials are labeling the UK’s approach as "Australia-plus," with the Sunday Times reporting that the ban will extend to an additional 10 platforms, including YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, X, Threads, Facebook, and Kick. The UK’s plan includes stricter measures such as curfews and limitations on AI chatbots, aiming to surpass Australia’s framework.
“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.”
Starmer emphasized that the decision reflects a choice between supporting families or maintaining a system that isn’t working. He stated: “This is a choice about whose side we're on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn't working.” The prime minister argued that the government would “call time on a system that's failing our kids” and take decisive steps to ensure children’s well-being.
Consultation results and parental support
A recent government survey collected 116,000 responses, with 90% of parents backing a ban for under-16s. Over 83% of respondents believed the risks of social media outweighed its benefits. The consultation also proposed less sweeping measures, such as disabling addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay, strengthening age verification, and introducing curfews.
Concerns from campaigners and industry response
Despite the majority support, some advocates have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the ban. Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, who took her own life at 14 after exposure to harmful online content, expressed dismay at the policy. He argued that an Australia-style ban would “create a false sense of safety,” driving children to other parts of the internet and cutting them off from vital connections.
“If he's playing politics, what he's doing is gambling with young people's lives - and I find that deplorable.”
Organizations like the NSPCC and Childnet supported the idea of restricting access, while tech companies pledged to improve their platforms rather than remove them entirely. The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that while the ban is a step forward, the focus remains on “how, not whether” children should be protected online. She noted that the consultation showed public backing but acknowledged that some youth might bypass restrictions despite them.