Under-16s will be banned from social media from early 2027
Sites including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will become inaccessible for millions of children, the prime minister has announced.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."
— Sir Keir Starmer , Politician
"I'm so glad now that this announcement has been made."
— Esther Ghey , Activist
"The ban was too simplistic a framing."
— Rocio Cifuentes , Activist
"Social media is making children unhappy, it’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"I am happy about the ban, saying it would potentially save so many children’s lives."
— Esther Ghey , Activist
"Every parent can see it with their own eyes, social media is making children unhappy."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
Key People
Esther Ghey is a bereaved parent advocating for the safety of children online.
British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
Liz Kendall is the Technology Secretary of the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister announced the ban on social media for under-16s.
Rocio Cifuentes is the children's commissioner for Wales.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Sites including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will become inaccessible for millions of children, the prime minister has announced.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban access to social media for users under 16, citing concerns over children's mental health and online safety.
The UK is set to ban children under 16 from using social media apps, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing the need to protect youth from harmful online content.
The UK is considering a ban on social media for users under 16, which could lead to stricter age checks and feature limits for social and AI platforms by spring 2027.
The UK government plans to impose a ban on social media use for children under 16, affecting platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
The UK government plans to ban social media platforms from allowing users under 16, with legislation expected before Christmas and protections in place by spring 2027.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s - Reuters
France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 04:58 PMFrance's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The Constitutional Council says it infringes upon freedom of expression - but President Macron vows to prepare a new draft.
August 14, 2026 at 04:35 PMMeta fined $567m in largest child safety ruling against social media giant
A New Mexico judge ordered the Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp parent company to pay another $567m for the way it has harmed children.
August 7, 2026 at 12:54 AMMeta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms - reuters.com
Meta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms reuters.com
August 13, 2026 at 03:56 AMIf Meta loses this trial, Instagram and Facebook could change forever
Thirty US states have sued Meta to force an overhaul of its platforms for young users.
August 16, 2026 at 11:27 PMHow the Meta trial could change social media for young people
The trial stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by 29 US states, in which they claim numerous violations of federal and state privacy laws for children.
August 18, 2026 at 04:24 PM