The United Kingdom plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using various social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the initiative as a step to safeguard children from inappropriate content and excessive screen time.
The restriction is anticipated to be implemented early next year. It aligns the UK with several countries, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, which have enacted or proposed similar age-based limitations on social media access for children. Countries like France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are discussing or developing related policies.
Starmer, a parent of two teenagers, stated, “Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy.” He noted that families are calling for change, and the government aims to prioritize children’s safety and happiness.
While some have applauded the move, others have expressed concern about the effects of a broad ban. YouTube and Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, warned that a blanket restriction may push children to less secure, unsupervised platforms.
“Blanket bans push kids out of curated, supervised experiences and towards anonymous, less-safe services,” a YouTube spokesperson said. Meta stated that such a ban might lead teens to unregulated platforms lacking parental controls.
Starmer recognized these challenges and noted that while teenagers may attempt to bypass the ban, the government could still enforce it effectively. He compared the situation to underage drinking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining protective measures.
The restriction will target major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X, excluding YouTube Kids and messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. Starmer emphasized that enforcement would focus on tech companies, not children. He described the move as significant for the UK and mentioned plans to exceed Australia’s existing measures.
In addition to social media restrictions, the government aims to prevent strangers from contacting children on gaming and livestreaming platforms. AI chatbots simulating romantic or sexual relationships will be restricted to those over 18, and additional strategies like overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for minors are under consideration.
A comment period gathered feedback from over 116,000 respondents, with more than 90% supporting the ban. Ellen Roome, a children’s online safety advocate, endorsed the action. She shared her personal tragedy of losing her son to an online challenge and urged for strict measures on tech companies.
Critics argue that implementing age verification is challenging and doesn’t tackle the root issue: harmful social media algorithms. Kate Edwards from the Molly Rose Foundation highlighted the ineffectiveness of existing age verification tools and the persistence of dangerous content.
Meta claims it is committed to teen online safety with features to limit account interactions and content visibility, although it disagrees with the ban’s effectiveness. Jon Crowcroft, a University of Cambridge professor, expressed concerns that restrictions might drive children to unfavorable sites and that device monitoring is nearly impossible.
The Open Rights Group and others have voiced worries regarding privacy and age verification processes. The U.S. government has also shown opposition, citing potential free speech and regulatory impacts on American tech companies.
Starmer intends to discuss the issue with international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, at an upcoming summit. He insisted, “I honestly think that across world leaders, there has always been a recognition that leaders have to take steps to protect children.”
Jill Lawless, an Associated Press writer, contributed to this report.