Starmer announces total ban on social media for under-16s, with law by Christmas and enforcement in spring 2027

Prime Minister announces ban

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the United Kingdom will ban social media for all children under 16, describing the measure as an essential step to protect young people’s mental health. Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Starmer said the platforms are “designed to be addictive” and leave children unhappy.

“We’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.”

The move follows a public consultation that drew 116,000 responses, with 91% of parents backing a minimum age of 16 for social media use.

In favour91%

Against/other9%

In favour

91 %

Against/other

9 %

Data from the article text

What the ban covers

The prohibition will apply to Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, but exempts messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. Platforms will be required to implement age verification, with communications regulator Ofcom tasked to set robust and fair methods, including possible facial recognition technology. Non‑compliant tech companies will be liable for enforcement, not children.

Additional restrictions and next steps

Alongside the social media ban, the government plans world‑leading restrictions on livestreaming and stranger‑child communication on gaming and streaming services, with default protections also extended to 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. AI chatbots designed to simulate romantic or sexual relationships will be restricted to users over 18. Further measures, including overnight curfews and enforced breaks in infinite scrolling for under‑18s, will be detailed in July. The legislative milestones are set out in a timeline.

Reaction and criticism

Opposition Conservatives criticised the ban as “too late”, while YouTube warned that a blanket prohibition could push children towards less safe services. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who introduced a similar ban last year, congratulated Starmer, stressing the need for international cooperation on platform accountability.

“The social media giants operate across national borders. By staying united we can do more to hold them accountable and keep minors safe online.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed the announcement as “a welcome step forward” but urged deeper change, insisting that safer platforms must be built by design and that the burden cannot rest solely on parents.

“Stronger protections are better than inaction, and today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”

Political timing

The announcement came three days before a crucial party leadership election for Starmer, whose position has faced growing internal challenge. Framing the ban as a major intervention for families, the prime minister sought to draw a sharp cultural line on children’s online safety.