UK confirms social media ban for under-16s by spring 2027, adding curfews and limits on AI chatbots

The announcement

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on 15 June 2026 that the government will ban social media for children under 16, with legislation expected by the end of this year and the ban taking effect in early 2027. "I am not willing to compromise the safety and happiness of our children," Starmer said. The move follows a public consultation that drew over 116,000 responses, with 91% of parents supporting a minimum age of 16.

What the ban covers

The prohibition targets major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are excluded. Beyond a simple usage ban, the UK is introducing measures that Starmer said would "go further than any other country": blocks on livestreaming and communication with strangers for under-16s on gaming sites, potential overnight curfews and infinite-scroll breaks for under-18s, and a requirement that AI chatbots simulating romantic or sexual role-play enforce a minimum age of 18. "Similar intimate functionalities will be restricted for under-18s on AI chatbots more widely," a government statement said.

Reactions and concerns

Children's commissioner for Scotland Nicola Killean expressed disappointment, warning that a blanket ban "may inadvertently push children to less regulated or riskier parts of the internet" and was not "a proportionate, effective, or enforceable way to protect children's rights". She urged a focus on holding platforms accountable for addictive features. In Ireland, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his government was "looking at a ban" but would follow an agreed EU position. "Social media is the public health issue of our time and governments have to act," he said.

Platforms should change so they are suitable for children, rather than children simply being banned from them.

Australia's mixed results

Australia has been a test case since its ban for under-16s came into force in December 2025. A review by the eSafety Commissioner found that 70% of children aged 8 to 15 still used social media, with no drop in cyberbullying reports. Parents' experiences vary. Freya, a 44-year-old in Melbourne, says the ban gave her "an extra tool in the battle against devices" and reduced peer pressure for her 12- and 14-year-olds, though she suspects her daughter is still on Snapchat. Boris, father of two, calls it "toothless" and notes that tech-savvy kids easily circumvent it. The UK government said it would "learn the lessons from Australia's experience by introducing more highly effective age assurance measures".

A growing global trend

The UK joins a wave of countries tightening restrictions. Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia have already enacted bans; Spain, Andorra, Norway and New Zealand have announced their intent; and France, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Slovenia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus and Slovakia are among those exploring similar steps, though exact age limits vary. The UK ban stands out for its additional layers targeting livestreaming, gaming chat and AI bots.

What comes next

The government will prepare legislation this year, with the ban expected by spring 2027. Starmer acknowledged that enforcement would be difficult and that some children would evade the ban, but insisted that "this ban has to happen". Besides the ban, the forthcoming legislation will include obligations for tech companies to implement age verification and fines for non-compliance.