UK is set to follow the footsteps of Australia and a raft of other countries as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans on Monday to ban social media access for children under the age of 16 as well as introducing stricter controls on gaming and livestreaming platforms.
Starmer said the government would implement sweeping reforms to social media regulations aimed at better protecting children’s well-being in the digital environment.
“It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice,” he said, acknowledging the challenges involved but stressing that governments must act to curb the influence of major technology companies.
We are banning social media access for under 16s.
These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.
I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back. pic.twitter.com/jn7iQrcwk8
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2026
The UK has steadily tightened regulations on tech firms in recent years, requiring stronger age-verification systems, changes to platform algorithms, and measures to prevent children from sharing explicit images.
However, growing concerns over the impact of excessive screen time and social media use on young people’s mental health have prompted the government to pursue tougher restrictions.
Starmer said his decision followed discussions with parents and a review of evidence from Australia, which introduced a similar social media ban for under-16s last year.
He added that the public expected decisive action to address the risks children face online, despite political challenges he may face in the coming weeks.
