Britain will prohibit social media use for children under 16

Britain will ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The prohibition covers TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and X.

Starmer made the announcement at a press conference at Downing Street on Monday. The policy reflects growing government concern about the effects of social media on younger users.

The ban places the U.K. alongside other nations pursuing tighter regulations on youth access to digital platforms. Several countries have moved to restrict or prohibit social media use for children in recent years, citing risks to mental health and well-being.

The British government has framed the measure as part of a broader effort to protect children online. Officials have identified social media platforms as areas requiring regulatory attention to ensure child safety in digital spaces.