UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s Under Sweeping Online Safety Reforms

LONDON, United Kingdom — Children under the age of 16 will be barred from accessing major social media platforms in the United Kingdom under sweeping new online safety measures announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The proposed restrictions, expected to take effect in spring 2027 subject to parliamentary approval, will apply to popular platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X and YouTube. The move forms part of what the British government describes as the most significant overhaul of child online safety protections in a generation.

Under the proposals, technology companies will be required to implement stronger age-verification systems to prevent users under 16 from creating or accessing accounts on affected platforms. Regulators are expected to oversee compliance through enhanced age-assurance measures. The reforms will also prohibit under-16s from livestreaming online and restrict interactions between minors and strangers across social media and certain gaming platforms. Additional safeguards are being considered, including limits on addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling and potential overnight social media curfews for young users.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt from the ban because they are classified primarily as communication tools rather than social media platforms. Announcing the policy, Starmer said governments could no longer ignore the risks children face online and argued that technology companies must take greater responsibility for protecting young users.

“I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” Starmer said while unveiling the proposals.

The UK government said the measures are intended to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, online predators and addictive digital behaviours that have been linked to mental health challenges, poor sleep and reduced educational performance. The proposals also target emerging artificial intelligence risks. AI-powered “romantic companion” chatbots will be required to enforce a minimum age of 18, while AI services aimed at younger users may face additional restrictions.

Government consultation findings showed overwhelming public support for tougher restrictions, with nine out of ten parents backing a minimum age of 16 for social media access. More than 116,000 responses were submitted during the consultation process. However, the policy has drawn criticism from some digital rights advocates and technology companies, who argue that a blanket ban could drive teenagers toward unregulated online spaces and prove difficult to enforce.

Experts have also raised concerns about children circumventing restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs) and other workarounds. If approved by Parliament, the legislation would place the UK among a growing number of countries tightening rules on children's access to social media, following similar measures introduced in Australia and other jurisdictions.

UK social media ban for under 16s