UK PM Announces Social Media Ban for Under-16s

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will ban social media use for users under 16, following a similar law passed in Australia. He said the move is meant to protect children, arguing that social media does not create a safe environment for them and saying, "Social media makes children unhappy. It makes it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it even harms their mental health." He added that as a parent, he wants children to be "happy and protected."

According to a Guardian report cited in the article, the ban will cover all major social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. It will also impose restrictions on some online products not formally covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, including removing the ability to message strangers. The government said the law is not aimed at messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal.

Starmer said he wants to speed up the legislation so it passes before next Christmas and takes effect at the start of next year. He acknowledged the decision was not easy, saying, "This is not a decision that was taken lightly, and I do not intend to present it as a problem-free one." He said, however, that government requires choices and that a blanket ban is the right one.

Britain is following Australia, which became a pioneer on the issue. Australia approved its law in parliament in November 2024 and it took effect about a year later, placing responsibility on the companies and exposing them to heavy fines for violations. Since then, other countries, including Canada, Denmark and Spain, have announced plans for similar bans. Starmer concluded, "I feel sorry for this generation," saying social media makes it harder for children to do homework, read, play with friends and go to bed at a reasonable hour.