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New Delhi: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced plans for a proposed nationwides ban on social media for children under age 16 year. The move is a big step in the UK government’s broader plan to tackle online harms affecting children
Important Note: The ban is proposed and not yet law. The legislation is now in the House of Lords and needs parliamentary approval before it can be implemented.
Age Limits
Requirements for Enforcement
Correction: Australia is the only country to have banned under-16s from social media. Bans are false claims, Indonesia and Malaysia have not imposed restrictions.
Starmer: “We will not compromise on child safety”
Prime Minister Starmer defended the policy at a Downing Street press conference, saying: “We will always put children’s safety ahead of opposition from the technology companies.
I want this message to be heard loud and clear. I'm not prepared to sacrifice the safety and happiness of our children. "That's why this ban's gotta be. That's why this ban's gonna be."
Starmer admitted enforcement was difficult but said governments should not accept that harm on social media was inevitable:
"We have a voice. “We can change things and we will change things.”
The Prime Minister cited a number of studies connecting too much social media use to:
“Social media is making children unhappy,” said Starmer, adding that many of the platforms are algorithmically designed to be addictive and to keep users on the platform for long periods of time.
Defending the policy, Starmer said the government would prioritise children’s safety over opposition from technology companies and critics.
“I want this message to be heard loud and clear. I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children. That is why this ban must happen, and that is why this ban will happen,” he said.
He acknowledged enforcement challenges but insisted that governments must not accept social media harm as unavoidable.
“We have agency. We can change things and we will change things,” Starmer added.
Starmer warned that excessive social media use is increasingly affecting children’s mental health, daily routines, and overall development.
He said platforms are drawing children away from essential activities such as studying, reading, social interaction, and healthy sleep patterns.
“Social media is making children unhappy,” he said, noting that many platforms are designed to be addictive and encourage prolonged usage.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about online bullying and harassment, saying digital platforms have made it easier for children to be targeted, sometimes with severe consequences for mental health and well-being.
The government’s move is expected to face resistance from tech companies, who argue that enforcement of age-based restrictions will be complex.
