Addis Ababa, June 15, 2026 (FMC) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, in a major policy move aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting minors.
The decision is aimed at addressing concerns over harmful online content, addictive platform design features, and the impact of prolonged social media use on children’s mental health.
Starmer described the move as a “big moment,” stressing that safeguarding children would take priority over industry objections.
Under the new policy, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X will be restricted for users under 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are expected to remain exempt.
The ban is expected to come into force early next year as part of broader legislation targeting online safety and age verification standards.
Officials say the UK is joining a growing number of countries adopting stricter digital age restrictions, with similar approaches seen in Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia.
The government has also indicated it is prepared to enforce compliance measures against technology companies that fail to adhere to the new rules.
Critics have raised concerns over enforcement challenges and the risk of underage users migrating to less regulated online platforms, while supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect children in an increasingly digital environment.
The move follows public consultation in which a large majority of parents reportedly backed stricter limits on social media access for minors, according to a report by AP.