UK plans social media ban for under‑16s

The UK’s planned social media ban marks a major shift in how governments regulate children’s digital lives. With enforcement expected in spring 2027, millions of young people - and the tech companies they use - will need to adapt to a new online landscape aimed at prioritising safety over unrestricted access.

The UK government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms. The proposal was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on 15 June 2026, and is part of a wider effort to improve online safety. Ministers say the aim is to protect young people from harmful online experiences, including cyberbullying, addictive features and inappropriate content.

The ban would apply to “user‑to‑user platforms”. These are apps and websites where people can interact with each other, share posts and view content suggested by algorithms. Many of the most popular social media platforms used by teenagers today fall into this category.

The changes would not happen immediately. The government says it expects to introduce legislation before the end of 2026, with the rules likely to come into force in spring 2027. This would allow time for Parliament to approve the plans and for technology companies to prepare systems to meet the new requirements.

Although a final list has not yet been confirmed, the ban is expected to include platforms such as TikTok, Instagram (and Threads), Snapchat, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, although YouTube Kids would still be allowed. Other services, including Reddit and Twitch, could also be affected. However, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, as well as educational platforms, are likely to be excluded.

Under the proposals, responsibility would be placed on technology companies rather than parents. Platforms would need to check users’ ages using secure systems, which could include ID checks or facial age estimation. They would also be required to block under‑16s from creating or keeping accounts, and limit features such as livestreaming or contact with strangers. Companies that do not follow the rules could face fines from Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator.

The plans also include extra protections for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds, who would still be allowed to use social media. These could involve safety settings being switched on by default, limits on features like infinite scrolling, and restrictions on messaging or app use at certain times. Similar rules are also being considered for gaming platforms and AI chatbots.

The government says the changes are needed because of concerns about the impact of social media on young people. These include mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, cyberbullying and online harassment, and exposure to harmful or age‑inappropriate content. The proposal follows a public consultation in 2026, which received more than 116,000 responses, with many parents supporting stricter rules.

The announcement has led to debate. Supporters say the ban could help make online spaces safer and encourage social media companies to take more responsibility. However, critics argue that it may be difficult to enforce, could push young people towards less regulated platforms, and might raise privacy concerns because of age‑verification checks.

The plans will now be debated in Parliament. If approved, the UK could become one of the first countries to introduce a full ban on social media use for under‑16s.

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