The British government has announced a sweeping nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, one of the toughest online restrictions globally, aimed at protecting young people from mental health risks, cyberbullying and predatory behaviour.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement on Monday in a video address, saying the move would “give children their childhoods back.”
“Every parent wants the best for their kids… I think back to when I was growing up and I have to say, I think we had it easier,” Starmer said, drawing from his experience as a father of two.
He highlighted how addictive algorithms trap children in endless scrolling that displaces sleep, play and family time.
“These days, kids have to find their feet in a world that changes so quickly, where technology intrudes into every area of their lives, and we know that harms them,” Starmer added.
The policy, modelled partly on Australia’s approach, will require platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X to implement robust age-verification systems. Companies failing to comply face heavy fines or potential bans in the UK.
Starmer acknowledged resistance from powerful tech firms but vowed the government would prevail.
“We will take them on, and we will win, because the need for action could not be any clearer,” he said.
The ban enjoys strong public support, with over 90 percent of parents in consultations backing a minimum age of 16. Ofcom will oversee trials of age-assurance technologies.
