UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce a full ban on social media usage for anyone under 16 in a speech on Monday. According to multiple reports from TechCrunch, the policy applies to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Twitch, and Kick.
Gaming apps will not be banned but must remove chat features that allow children to communicate with strangers. The ban would also block anyone under 18 from accessing romantic and sexual chatbots and aim to prevent late-night social media use.
The UK is following Australia's approach to social media restrictions. Brianna Ghey's mother has called for this kind of ban, stating that her daughter's eating disorder and self-harm were exacerbated by toxic content on social platforms.
Opposition to the ban centres on privacy concerns and the effectiveness of age verification technology. Some argue the restrictions could isolate young people without demonstrable mental health benefits.
The government can enforce some measures using existing regulatory powers, though new legislation may be required to fully implement the ban. The proposal represents a significant shift in UK policy on teen digital access.
