Starmer confirms social media ban for under-16s in the UK

The Prime Minister announced the restriction in a Downing Street press conference as he warned social media was having an impact on children’s happiness and mental health.

Sir Keir said he would not compromise on the “safety and happiness of our children”.

He said he was confident the ban can be effective but acknowledged some children would find their way around it.

Making the announcement on Monday morning, the Prime Minister said: “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.

“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 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”.

He added: “It’s designed to be addictive, of course it is. Features like the infinite scroll, they’re designed to lock you in for hours, and if nothing else, there’s an opportunity cost to that.

“It stops children doing their homework, reading, playing with their friends outside, going to bed a decent hour.

“Now that may not sound like much, but these are the activities that help a child develop into an adult.

“We know how important they are. We just never thought that something would come along to threaten them.”

What apps will be banned in UK under-16s social media ban?

More details on the exact apps have yet to be confirmed, but it’s understood that social media platforms, TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Reddit will be banned for under-16s.

The ban will also stop under-16s from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.

The PM did confirm that there will be a limit on their ability to chat with strangers on gaming and live-streaming platforms.

The ban is expected to come into full force by Spring 2027.

Why is social media being banned for under-16s?

The ban comes in response to overwhelming support during a government consultation, which found that 91% of parents backed raising the minimum age for social media access to 16.

The consultation on the proposals closed on May 26 and drew about 116,000 responses, making it the second-largest in history.

More than 83% of parents who responded said the risks of social media outweigh the benefits for children.

Among younger respondents, 62% said restricting high-risk features would improve their safety online.

However, 72% expressed concerns about feeling left out if such restrictions were introduced.