The United Kingdom plans to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, framing the move as part of a wider effort to protect children from online harm and excessive screen exposure.

The UK under-16 social media ban is expected to apply to major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube, while enforcement will be directed at technology companies rather than children themselves. The policy has drawn attention because it could become one of the most far-reaching child online-safety measures introduced by a major Western government.

Starmer said the government would restrict access to social media sites for children below the age of 16 and introduce additional limits on gaming and livestreaming platforms. The planned measures include restrictions on features that allow strangers to communicate with children online.

The government launched a public consultation last month to examine ways to reduce children’s use of social media and digital devices. According to reports, ministers said strong support from parents and campaigners influenced the decision to move toward a formal ban.

The policy is aimed at addressing concerns about children’s mental health, online abuse, addictive design features and the effect of prolonged screen time on education, sleep and physical activity.

Ofcom is expected to play a central role in developing and enforcing age-verification rules. Possible methods could include facial age estimation, digital identification and other checks used by online platforms, though privacy and practicality remain key concerns.

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are expected to be exempt from the main social media ban, although some communication features on gaming or livestreaming services may face tighter restrictions.

Supporters of the plan say stronger limits are needed to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying and unwanted contact with strangers. Critics, including some digital-rights and child-safety groups, have warned that a blanket ban could be difficult to enforce and may push young users toward less regulated online spaces.

The government is expected to provide further details on the legislation and implementation timetable in the coming months. Reports suggest enforcement could begin next spring or early next year, depending on the passage of regulations and Ofcom’s age-check framework.

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