Starmer announces UK ban on under-16 social media use
9 reported2 unconfirmed
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that the United Kingdom will ban children under 16 from using social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, with the ban expected to take effect early next year. The plan received mixed reactions, with some praising the action and others questioning the effectiveness of a blanket ban. YouTube and Meta warned that such a restriction could push children into unregulated online spaces without parental controls. Starmer acknowledged enforcement challenges but said he believes the ban can be enforced, comparing it to laws against underage drinking. The UK plans to follow Australia’s model, which last year became the first country to bar under-16s from holding social media accounts, with platforms facing multimillion-dollar fines for non-compliance. The ban will apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but not YouTube Kids or messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. Enforcement will target tech companies, not children, Starmer said. The decision follows a public comment period that received 116,000 responses, with over 90% supporting an under-16 ban.
What’s reported
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will ban children under 16 from using social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
The ban is expected to take effect early next year.
YouTube and Meta warned that a blanket ban could push kids into unregulated online spaces.
Starmer said enforcement will target tech companies, not children.
The UK plans to follow Australia’s model, which last year became the first country to bar under-16s from holding social media accounts.
Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to exclude children younger than 16 could face multimillion-dollar fines.
The ban applies to Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but not YouTube Kids or messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal.
The government received 116,000 responses during a public comment period, with over 90% supporting an under-16 ban.
Starmer said the government will also act to prevent strangers from contacting children on gaming and livestreaming platforms, and is considering additional measures including overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18.
Open questions
How the age verification system will be enforced effectively, given critics’ concerns about technical feasibility.
Whether the ban will inflame tensions with the U.S., which has warned that regulations should be narrow and not violate free speech protections.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Ellen Roome, children's online safety campaigner
Kate Edwards, head of education at the Molly Rose Foundation
Jon Crowcroft, communications systems professor at the University of Cambridge
Donald Trump, U.S. President (mentioned as expected discussion partner)
YouTube spokesperson (unnamed)
Meta spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: abcnews.com
