A really good thing...

UK confirms social media ban for under-16s

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is not “prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.”

By Mizy Clifton

Keir Starmer said Monday the U.K. will ban social media for under-16s.

Livestreaming and tools which allow users to communicate with strangers will also be blocked, and restricted by default for 17-year-olds, the U.K. prime minister said.

Starmer told a Downing Street press conference “a full ban is the right choice,” adding he is not “prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.”

Proposals for the ban will be brought to U.K. lawmakers before Christmas, with the new protections expected to come into force in spring  2027, he added.

The British prime minister, whose position as Labour leader is under threat after a terrible set of local election results in May, confirmed the move ahead of a crucial by-election in Makerfield this week, which could see rival Andy Burnham return to the Commons to launch a challenge.

Burnham — and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, another leadership rival — both suggested earlier this year that they are in favor of a ban.

Starmer had been hesitant to follow Australia — which introduced the world’s first outright ban on social media for under-16s last December — reportedly telling MPs earlier this year he believed social media had educational and social value. 

But announcing the policy Monday, he said: “I want this message to be heard loud and clear. 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.”

Polling consistently shows the policy is popular with the British public. A YouGov survey conducted last week, and published shortly after the announcement, found eight in 10 parents support the restrictions.

Starmer said he will discuss the announcement at a meeting of G7 leaders kicking off in France Monday evening.

Ahead of Monday's announcement, the U.S. warned the U.K. against using “prescribed one-size-fits-all government restrictions” and “blunt regulatory instruments” in a submission to a U.K. government consultation.

But Starmer played down suggestions the move will alienate Trump, telling reporters: “There has always been a recognition that leaders have to take steps to protect children. I don’t think that’s controversial.”

In a statement accompanying the annoucement, the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said AI “romantic companion” chatbots that simulate sexual or romantic relationships will also be banned for use by under-18s.

The U.K. government will look “in more detail” at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, and will set out its plans in July, DSIT added.

The U.K.’s communications regulator Ofcom, which enforces online safety laws, said it is “ready to work closely” with the government as the “detailed regulations take shape.”