LONDON — The UK government announced plans Monday to impose a ban on social media access for children under 16, along with restrictions on certain features for older teenagers, as part of efforts to protect young people online, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
The measures, described as going further than similar steps in Australia, target major platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and others, while also addressing features on gaming and other services, officials said. Implementation is expected around spring 2027 following further details on enforcement, including age verification requirements.
The announcement follows a national consultation, "Growing up in the online world," which received more than 100,000 responses and showed strong parental support for restrictions, according to government statements. Nine in 10 parents backed limits on under-16s using social media, the consultation indicated.
Under the plans, platforms will be barred from offering services to children under 16, with exemptions expected for certain educational, e-commerce and music services. Additional restrictions will apply to functions such as livestreaming, disappearing messages and chats with strangers for under-16s, while 16- and 17-year-olds may face default limits on some addictive features.
The government has cited powers under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 to move forward via secondary legislation. The move comes after parliamentary debates, including House of Lords votes favoring restrictions, and builds on the existing Online Safety Act.
"This is about giving kids their childhood back," Starmer said in remarks outlining the policy. "Less time scrolling, more time for play and real-world experiences."
Critics, including some campaigners and tech industry voices, have raised concerns about enforceability, potential workarounds such as VPNs, and impacts on free speech or access to information. Details on how platforms will implement "highly effective" age checks remain to be finalized, officials acknowledged.
The policy also aligns with broader government actions, including plans for smartphone restrictions in schools in England. It responds to ongoing concerns about youth mental health, online harms and excessive screen time, though specific links to new legislation were not detailed in Monday's announcement.
Social media companies have previously noted compliance challenges with age verification and emphasized existing safety tools. The government said it would consult further on exemptions and implementation.
As of Monday, the government was preparing to publish more detailed guidance and timelines. The full scope of enforcement mechanisms and any potential legal challenges from platforms were not immediately clear.
