Under-16s will be banned from social media from early 2027
Under 16s will be banned – The UK government has unveiled plans to restrict under-16s from using major social media platforms, aiming to create a safer online environment for young users. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the regulation would be enacted in the spring of 2027, with legislation targeting the ban expected to be finalized before Christmas. This move follows increasing calls from advocacy groups to limit children’s exposure to digital risks.
Apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram will be off-limits to children under 16, according to the announcement. However, the government has not yet disclosed the complete list of platforms affected, which also reportedly includes YouTube and X. Age verification will be required for users over 16, though many adults may bypass checks due to existing account histories or linked payment methods.
WhatsApp, Signal, and Roblox will remain accessible to minors, along with YouTube Kids. Certain features, like live streaming and direct messaging from strangers, will be restricted for children under 16. Additional measures, including limitations on infinite scroll and time-based curfews, are under consideration for 16 and 17-year-olds. Intimate AI interactions will also be prohibited for those under 18.
Industry Responses to the Ban
Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube expressed concerns about the blanket ban, arguing it could push children toward unregulated platforms. “Isolating teens from online communities risks depriving them of valuable information and connections,” Meta stated. Similarly, Snapchat highlighted its commitment to safety but questioned the effectiveness of a complete ban. YouTube described itself as “a vital resource for young people, educators, and parents,” stressing its existing safeguards.
“Blanket bans push kids out of curated, supervised experiences and toward anonymous, less safe services,” said a statement from YouTube.
TikTok pledged to review the government’s proposals and collaborate on the issue. The BBC has sought comment from X, which has yet to respond.
Support and Criticisms
The ban has been broadly supported by parents who lost children to social media-related harms. Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was killed in 2023, called it a “positive step” that could “potentially save so many children’s lives.” She noted that one of the perpetrators had been influenced by online content, including videos of violence.
“I’m so glad now that this announcement has been made,” Ghey told BBC Breakfast. “It gives children a chance to grow up before entering environments not built for their wellbeing.”
However, some children’s advocates have questioned the approach. Rocio Cifuentes, Wales’ children’s commissioner, argued the ban “was too simplistic a framing” and stressed platform accountability. Nicola Killean of Scotland and Chris Quinn from Northern Ireland also raised concerns, with the latter warning the measure “risks letting technology companies off the hook.” England’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, praised the initiative but called for extending the ban to all children.
The government will base its definition of social media on Australia’s framework, which includes platforms with specific user engagement criteria. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted the need to “take power away from tech giants” and acknowledged that further steps for adult users would be necessary.
