The UK government announced a comprehensive ban on social media access for under-16s, aiming to protect children from addictive platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the move goes further than Australia’s model, with additional restrictions on livestreaming, stranger interactions, and features like infinite scrolling. Regulations could take effect from spring 2027 for platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The policy responds to rising concerns over youth mental health and self-harm linked to social media. While critics warn of circumvention via VPNs and lost benefits, the government prioritizes parental control and child safety.
The UK government announced a comprehensive ban on social media access for under-16s, aiming to protect children from addictive platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the move goes further than Australia’s model, with additional restrictions on livestreaming, stranger interactions, and features like infinite scrolling. Regulations could take effect from spring 2027 for platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The policy responds to rising concerns over youth mental health and self-harm linked to social media. While critics warn of circumvention via VPNs and lost benefits, the government prioritizes parental control and child safety.