UK to announce social media restrictions for children, PM says

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government plans to announce social media restrictions for children on Monday, framing the measure as a response to what he described as a failing system.

Starmer characterized the coming announcement as "bold action" in an interview ahead of the Monday unveiling. He did not specify details of the proposed restrictions.

The prime minister's comments come amid growing concern across multiple countries about social media's effects on young people. Lawmakers, health officials, and parents have raised questions about how platforms affect child mental health, attention spans, and sleep.

The UK government has previously indicated interest in regulating tech companies' responsibilities toward younger users. Monday's announcement will mark the formal presentation of those plans.

Starmer's framing suggests the government views existing oversight as inadequate. He argued that current conditions represent a system that has not served children's interests.

The timing and scope of the restrictions remain unclear. Starmer's remarks stopped short of outlining how the policy would function or which platforms it would target.