UK Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Government Proposes Major Online Safety Changes

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing some of the world’s largest social media platforms.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the proposal during a press conference on June 15, 2026, describing it as a necessary step to protect children from online risks and improve their wellbeing.

The proposed restrictions would apply to popular platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube.

“Social media is making our children unhappy. It is creating opportunities for predators and bullies, and it can even harm their mental health,” Starmer said while announcing the policy.

Which Platforms Would Be Affected?

Under the proposed legislation, children under 16 would not be allowed to create or use accounts on several major social media networks.

The affected platforms include:

TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
Snapchat
YouTube

The government argues that these platforms can expose young users to harmful content, cyberbullying, online predators and mental health challenges.

The move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen online safety protections for minors across the country.

Messaging Apps Would Still Be Allowed

While social media platforms would face restrictions, children would still be allowed to use messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Signal.

However, the government plans to introduce safeguards that would prevent minors from communicating with people they do not know personally.

Officials say the goal is to allow children to stay connected with family and friends while reducing potential risks from strangers online.

AI Tools Remain Accessible With Limitations

The proposed rules would also allow minors to continue using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and similar applications.

However, the government intends to restrict children from using AI platforms for advice or discussions related to romantic relationships.

Officials believe these limits could help reduce inappropriate interactions while still allowing young people to benefit from educational and productivity-focused AI tools.

Social Media Companies Would Be Responsible

The proposed legislation would place responsibility on technology companies rather than children.

Young users who bypass the restrictions would not face penalties.

Instead, social media platforms could face consequences if they fail to enforce age verification requirements and prevent underage users from accessing their services.

The government says companies must play a greater role in protecting children online.

Bill Expected Before End of 2026

Prime Minister Starmer aims to secure parliamentary approval for the legislation before Christmas 2026.

If lawmakers approve the bill, implementation is expected to begin in early 2027.

The government believes the measures will provide stronger protections for young people while encouraging technology companies to improve child safety standards.

UK Joins Growing International Trend

If enacted, the United Kingdom would join several countries that have introduced or proposed similar restrictions on youth access to social media.

Australia and France have already adopted measures aimed at limiting children’s use of social media platforms.

Meanwhile, Austria and Denmark are reportedly considering comparable policies as governments worldwide debate how to balance online access with child safety.