UK announces Australia-like social media ban for under-16s, cites child safety concerns

Britain has become the fourth country after Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia to impose a blanket ban on social media use for children under 16, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the move is aimed at protecting young people's wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.

Announcing the decision on Monday, Starmer said the government could no longer ignore the impact of technology on children's lives. 

"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," he said.

The new policy, described by officials as an "Australia-plus" model, goes beyond existing restrictions by also limiting livestreaming on platforms considered safer and preventing children from interacting with strangers through gaming applications. 

The government is additionally considering introducing social media curfews for children, with further details expected next month.

The move follows a three-month public consultation that explored an outright social media ban and other measures to reduce children's exposure to harmful online content and features. 

The consultation received 1,16,000 responses, with 90% of participating parents supporting a ban for under-16s and more than 83% saying the risks of social media outweigh its benefits.

According to reports, the UK ban is expected to cover the same 10 platforms restricted under Australia's law, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, X, Threads, Facebook and Kick. 

The UK is also expected to introduce additional safeguards, including restrictions on AI chatbots and possible curfews for older teenagers.

Starmer described online child safety as one of the defining issues of the current era, saying the government had chosen to back families and take decisive action to ensure children grow up in a safer digital environment. 

However, some campaigners have warned that sweeping restrictions could create new challenges and limit opportunities for young people online.