The United Kingdom has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, in what the government describes as one of its most significant measures yet to protect young people online.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the policy on Monday, saying the move is aimed at shielding children from the harmful effects of social media, including cyberbullying, addictive content and exposure to online predators.
The restrictions will apply to major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube, while messaging services such as WhatsApp will remain exempt. The government is also introducing tighter controls on gaming platforms, including limiting children’s ability to communicate with strangers.
The legislation is expected to pass later this year, with full implementation planned for 2027. Officials say the decision follows overwhelming public support, with a large majority of parents backing stricter online protections for children.
The UK joins a growing number of countries adopting tougher digital safety laws for minors, signalling a global shift towards stronger regulation of social media platforms and their impact on young users.
