UK to Ban Social Media for Under‑16s, Starmer Announces

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will prohibit social‑media usage for children under the age of 16.

This policy represents a significant step by the Labour leader, echoing Australia’s pioneering restriction that came into effect at the end of last year, when it became the first nation to impose a blanket ban on social media for under‑16s under the Online Safety Amendment Act.

The United Kingdom’s approach expands upon the Australian model, which targeted ten specific platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

In addition to those platforms, the UK framework prohibits livestreaming functionalities across all applications and gaming services, blocks private communications between minors and adults on gaming platforms, and disallows under‑18 users from accessing AI‑driven chatbots.

Unlike Australia, where youths attain unrestricted access upon turning 16, the British scheme adopts a graduated framework, incorporating night‑time usage curfews for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds and maintaining restrictions on direct messaging from strangers.

Starmer highlighted that social media contributes to children’s unhappiness, facilitates bullying and abuse, and may adversely affect mental health.

He emphasized that the ban is not implemented without consideration, acknowledging the benefits that social media can provide to young people, but asserting that a comprehensive prohibition represents the appropriate course of action for the government.

He drew a parallel with alcohol regulation, noting that isolated incidents of under‑age consumption do not preclude the enforcement of age‑based prohibitions.

We are banning social media access for under 16s.

These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.

I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back. pic.twitter.com/jn7iQrcwk8

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2026

Starmer asserted that legislation reflects societal values, shaping the social contract and altering parental expectations and children’s anticipations over time.

He argued that the measure will markedly improve children’s safety and wellbeing, granting them greater opportunity to develop freely, which aligns with the government’s core objectives.

BREAKING: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a social media ban for under-16s.

Live updates: pic.twitter.com/VnIFMyjAhs

— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 15, 2026

On the social platform X, he summarized the initiative as a substantial step for the nation, acknowledging its difficulty but emphasizing the necessity for decisive action.

He acknowledged that the policy may encounter opposition from powerful corporations, but asserted that the imperative for intervention is unequivocal, maintaining that social media is rendering children unhappy and unsafe.

BREAKING: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a social media ban for under-16s.

Live updates: pic.twitter.com/VnIFMyjAhs

— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 15, 2026

Earlier, Starmer discussed with NME the implications of artificial intelligence and technology on the music industry, noting that artists such as Elton John, Coldplay and Dua Lipa have advocated for reforms to copyright law in response to rapid technological advancement.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding creative expression, highlighting the United Kingdom’s strong tradition of creative output on both domestic and international stages.

Starmer explained that achieving the right balance necessitated an extensive consultation process, the results of which are currently being analyzed, reinforcing the need to protect the nation’s creative heritage.

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