The United Kingdom is set to introduce a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, following a major policy announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Unveiling the decision at Downing Street, Starmer said the move was driven by growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing, mental health and development.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that social media has provided benefits for young people, but argued that the risks now outweigh those advantages.
According to Starmer, online platforms have created environments that expose children to bullying, harassment and harmful content, while also encouraging excessive screen time through features designed to keep users engaged for long periods.
He said the government had carefully weighed the consequences before deciding that a complete ban for under-16s was necessary.
Speaking as a parent, Starmer said the safety and happiness of children were at the centre of the decision. He argued that many parents struggle to navigate the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technology and would likely welcome stronger protections for young users.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern that excessive social media use is increasingly interfering with activities crucial to child development, including studying, reading, social interaction, recreation and healthy sleep habits.
He suggested that today’s generation of children faces challenges that previous generations did not encounter, as digital platforms have become deeply embedded in everyday life.
Despite the planned restrictions, Starmer stressed that the government remains committed to embracing technology and innovation as part of efforts to build a stronger and fairer society. However, he maintained that safeguarding children must take precedence where online risks are concerned.
The announcement is expected to spark significant debate among parents, educators, technology companies and digital rights advocates as the government moves forward with one of the most far-reaching child online safety measures proposed in the UK.
