LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that the United Kingdom will ban all children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, marking one of the most comprehensive measures of its kind globally.
The announcement came during a Downing Street press conference, where Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children’s wellbeing in the digital age.
“These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life,” Starmer wrote on social media. “I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back.”
The measure will take effect by spring 2027, following passage through Parliament. The government plans to implement age verification systems that could include facial recognition technology to enforce the ban.
Restrictions will also apply by default to users aged 16 and 17, according to a government announcement. Additional measures being considered include implementing “curfews” for users under 18, restricting access to features such as disappearing messages, live streaming, and contact from strangers on gaming platforms.
The announcement follows a nationwide consultation that drew more than 110,000 responses, with approximately 90 percent of parents supporting the minimum age limit. The government says it modeled the approach on Australia, which became the first country in the world to implement a similar ban in December last year.
The platforms expected to be covered by the ban include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Messaging services such as WhatsApp are not expected to be included in the restrictions.
Social media companies will face penalties from Ofcom, Britain’s communications regulator, for failing to comply with the ban. The government said it will consider additional enforcement measures against companies that repeatedly violate the regulations.