Government Targets Social Platforms and Digital Risks
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans on Monday to ban social media access for children under the age of 16, unveiling one of the most comprehensive online safety initiatives proposed by any country.
The proposed measures would apply to major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X. However, messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal would remain exempt.
Speaking at a press conference, Starmer said the reforms aim to improve child safety, reduce harmful online exposure and provide young people with a healthier environment for growth and development.
The government intends to follow a model similar to that adopted by Australia, which introduced a comparable restriction in 2025.
New Restrictions Extend Beyond Social Media
In addition to the proposed ban, the government plans to introduce strict safeguards on gaming and live-streaming platforms that allow children to interact with strangers online.
Officials said new regulations would target features such as live broadcasts, direct communication with unknown users and other functions considered harmful or addictive for minors.
The government expects to begin implementing the first phase of the policy through existing legal powers, while additional regulations are scheduled to be finalized later this year.
Public Support Drives Policy Shift
The announcement follows extensive consultations involving parents, teachers, industry representatives and young people. More than 116,000 responses were submitted during the review process.
According to government figures, a large majority of participating parents supported stronger restrictions on social media access for children and backed setting the minimum age at 16.
While supporters argue the move will improve mental health and online safety, some researchers continue to debate whether outright bans are the most effective solution to addressing the challenges posed by digital platforms.
