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.
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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.
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