Starmer to announce social media ban for under-16s in UK
11 reported
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce a ban on under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X, in restrictions described as "Australia plus." Government sources said the measures are driven by a desire to protect teenagers from harmful addictive content and contact with strangers. Under-18s will also face restrictions, including a ban on "scrolling" after 8.30pm and a ban on accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots. The government may need to legislate to enforce the ban, though the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act already provides some powers. The government cited a consultation in which nine out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16 for accessing the apps. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the ban is not a "silver bullet solution" but would better protect young people.
What’s reported
Starmer will ban under-16s from major social media apps including TikTok, Instagram and X.
The restrictions are described as "Australia plus."
Online products not covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, will face new restrictions like removing the option to chat to strangers.
Under-18s will be banned from "scrolling" after 8.30pm and from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
Government sources said protecting teenagers from harmful addictive content and contact with strangers are key drivers.
The government may need to legislate to enforce the ban; the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act already gives some powers.
In Australia, under-16s are restricted from 10 major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Twitch and Kick.
The government said nine out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16 in its consultation.
Nearly nine in 10 (88%) said fewer children would be exposed to inappropriate or harmful content.
Almost two-thirds of young people who responded said restricting high-risk features would make them safer online.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the ban is not a "silver bullet solution" but would better protect young people.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary
Sources: The Guardian
