British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced a ban on social media use for children under 16, alongside new restrictions targeting gaming and livestreaming platforms.
In a post on X, he said the government would bring in major reforms to strengthen online protections for children, arguing that decisive action was necessary to safeguard young users’ mental health.
Starmer described a full ban for under-16s as the “right decision,” acknowledging that while the move would be challenging, the state must assert itself against 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 United Kingdom has already moved in recent years toward tighter regulation of digital platforms, pushing firms to enforce age verification, adjust algorithmic systems, and take stronger action against the sharing of explicit content involving minors. The latest proposal would significantly expand those efforts.
Concerns over the psychological impact of excessive screen time and social media use among children have driven the government’s latest stance. Starmer said his decision was shaped by consultations with parents and international developments, including measures taken in Australia, which recently introduced similar restrictions for users under 16.
In Britain, consultations have included input from parents, educators, and young people, with proposals ranging from outright bans to curfews, screen-time limits, and restrictions on addictive platform design features. The consultation process received over 116,000 responses, with a large majority of parents supporting stricter controls and a minimum age requirement of 16.
While many policymakers and parents have expressed support for tougher restrictions, some researchers and psychologists have questioned whether such bans would be effective in practice. Meanwhile, feedback from school students suggests mixed feelings about their reliance on and exposure to digital platforms.
