Online Reporter
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms as part of new measures aimed at improving online safety.
Under the proposed regulations, the minimum age for using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and Snapchat will be raised to 16.
The Government said the measures, expected to come into force by spring next year, will also include additional protections on gaming and live-streaming platforms to prevent adults from contacting children online.
Restrictions will be activated by default for users aged up to 17, while officials are also considering measures such as overnight usage limits and interruptions to infinite scrolling features for users under 18.
The proposals further include a minimum age of 18 for AI companion chatbots designed to simulate romantic or sexual relationships. Broader age restrictions for AI chatbots are also under consideration.
Encrypted messaging services, including WhatsApp and Signal, will not be covered by the ban.
Speaking at Downing Street, Sir Keir said the Government had concluded that a ban was the most appropriate option following a public consultation.
“Social media is making children unhappy. It’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health,” he said.
He said the Government intended to introduce the legislation before the end of the year and implement the ban in early 2027.
A public consultation on potential social media restrictions for children received about 116,000 responses. According to the Government, more than 83 percent of parents who participated said the risks of social media outweigh the benefits for children, while 91 percent supported a minimum age of 16 for access to social media platforms.
The Government said 62 percent of children who responded believed restrictions on high-risk features would make them safer online, although 72 percent expressed concern about feeling excluded if restrictions were introduced.
Sir Keir acknowledged that some children may attempt to bypass the restrictions but said the Government believed the measures could be enforced effectively.
The announcement follows a series of online safety initiatives by the UK Government, including efforts to strengthen protections for children on digital platforms.
The proposals have received support from child safety campaigners and organisations, including the NSPCC, which described the move as a positive step towards improving online protection for children.
However, some organisations and digital rights advocates have argued that age-based bans alone may not address the underlying risks associated with harmful online content and platform design. They have called for stronger regulation of algorithms and platform safety measures.
The Government said it will continue working with regulators and technology companies as the detailed regulations are developed.
