UK Bans Under-16s From Social Media – Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, describing the move as a “big moment for our country” and a necessary step to protect young people from the harmful effects of online platforms.

Speaking during a press conference at Downing Street, on Monday, June 15, Starmer said the government would not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of children, arguing that social media was increasingly affecting their happiness and mental health.

The new restriction, expected to take effect early next year, will prevent children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The government also plans to introduce tougher safeguards on gaming and live-streaming services, ensuring that strangers cannot contact children through those platforms.

According to Starmer, protective measures for children up to the age of 17 will be enabled by default, while officials are also examining the possibility of introducing overnight curfews and mandatory breaks from infinite scrolling for users under 18.

READ ALSO: Greece To Ban Social Media for Under-15-Year-Olds 2027

Defending the decision, the prime minister acknowledged that social media had provided benefits to young people but insisted that the risks now outweighed those advantages.

“This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong,” Starmer said.

“But Government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice.

“I come to it as a parent myself. I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we’re thinking about this issue.

“All I’ve ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe, and I think that’s what any parent wants, but I ask the question now: Do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children?

“Do we truly believe that it’s a place where they can feel safe? I don’t think I even need to answer those questions, do I?

“Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy.”

Starmer argued that online platforms were making it easier for bullies to target young people and exposing children to harmful content designed to attract attention and engagement.

He said social media was “making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse” children and “could even be harming their mental health – exposing them to content that is dangerous, because that’s what grabs the attention”.

The announcement was welcomed by campaigners invited to Downing Street for the event, with attendees applauding the measures as they were unveiled.

The policy announcement came shortly before Starmer departed for the G7 summit in France, where he is expected to meet world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.