The UK is on the cusp of a major overhaul in the way it approaches social media and its impact on young people. Under new government plans, all children under 16 will be banned from accessing platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X, with additional measures aimed at shielding minors from online harms.
The proposed ban is not just a blanket restriction, but a comprehensive framework that includes prohibiting under-16s from using livestreaming features across all apps and gaming platforms. The legislation also aims to block any functionality allowing strangers to message minors within gaming environments and will ban under-18s from engaging with AI chatbots.
For 16 and 17-year-olds, the government plans a more gradual introduction to social media, rather than immediate unrestricted access upon turning 16. This includes overnight scrolling curfews and features designed to prevent them from receiving direct messages from strangers. While acknowledging that some teenagers may attempt to circumvent the rules, Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserts that a total ban for under-16s is necessary to safeguard their mental health and protect them from online abuse.
The Prime Minister drew parallels with alcohol sales restrictions, highlighting the importance of making difficult choices in the best interests of children. He stressed that laws are an expression of societal values, intended to shape social contracts and influence parental conversations and children's expectations over time. This move has been welcomed by campaigners, including parents who have lost children due to online exploitation.
Mr Starmer confirmed that the government aims to pass the necessary legislation by the end of 2026, with the ban expected to come into force by Spring 2027. The policy does not signal opposition to technology or AI, but rather a commitment to protecting children and learning from other countries' experiences.
Source: Prime Minister's Office