The UK government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, in a landmark step to improve online safety and protect young people from harmful content.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government aims to pass the necessary legislation before Christmas, with the ban expected to come into force by spring 2027.

The proposed restrictions would apply to major social media services including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. However, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal are expected to be exempt, according to government officials.

Starmer said a “full ban is the right choice,” adding that he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children” in a televised statement.

Alongside the age ban, the government is also considering further regulatory measures targeting platform design features. These include blocking “harmful functions” such as livestreaming for underage users and exploring potential overnight usage restrictions or curfews.

Officials say the proposals are part of a broader push to reduce exposure to addictive algorithms, online bullying, and inappropriate content, while increasing parental oversight and platform accountability.

The UK move follows similar international developments, most notably Australia, which became the first country to introduce a comparable under-16 social media ban in December last year.

Digital safety experts note that several countries are now tightening restrictions on children’s access to online platforms, citing growing concerns over mental health impacts, data privacy risks, and exposure to harmful or misleading content.

While supporters argue the measures are necessary to protect children in an increasingly digital world, critics warn that enforcement could be challenging and may push younger users toward less regulated online spaces.

The UK government is expected to publish further details on enforcement mechanisms, including age verification systems and penalties for non-compliant platforms, in the coming months as the legislation moves through Parliament. (ILKHA)