Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has this morning confirmed that under-16s will be banned from social media as part of a major overhaul of online safety rules for children.
The announcement has immediately raised questions from parents, young people, schools, social media companies and advertisers about what the new rules mean and when they will take effect.
Here’s everything we know so far.
What has been announced?
The government has confirmed that children under the age of 16 will be banned from accessing major social media platforms.
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer said: “It’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice.”
The move forms part of wider plans to tackle online harms, including concerns about children’s mental health, addictive platform design and excessive screen time.
Which social media platforms will be affected?
The government is expected to include the same platforms covered by Australia’s under-16 social media ban.
These include TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTub, Reddit, Twitch, X, Threads, Facebook and Kick
Further details are expected from ministers in the coming weeks.
When will the ban come into force?
The government has not yet confirmed an implementation date but when taking questions from journalists after the announcement the PM said he hoped regulation will pass before Christmas and ban will come in by Spring 2027.
Today’s announcement confirms the policy direction, but ministers are still expected to publish further details on enforcement, compliance requirements and implementation timelines.
Additional measures, including possible social media curfews for older teenagers and restrictions on AI chatbots, are not expected to be unveiled until next month.
For now, under-16s can continue using social media platforms as normal while the legislation and enforcement framework are finalised.
Will existing accounts be deleted?
The government has not yet confirmed how existing accounts will be treated.
However, Australia, which introduced the world’s first under-16 social media ban in December last year, requires social media companies to prevent children from creating new accounts and deactivate existing accounts belonging to under-16s.
Whether the UK adopts the same approach remains to be seen.
How will the ban be enforced?
Ministers are expected to place responsibility on social media companies rather than children or parents.
Australia’s system requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages and prevent underage access.
Technologies used can include:
- Government-issued ID checks
- Facial age estimation
- Voice recognition
- Age-assurance technology
- Behaviour-based age inference tools
Companies rather than users face penalties for failing to comply.
The UK is expected to take a similar approach, although full details have yet to be announced.
Why is the government introducing the ban?
The government says the decision has been driven by growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people.
A recent consultation attracted more than 116,000 responses.
According to government figures 90% of parents supported a minimum social media age of 16 and 85% said the risks of social media outweigh the benefits.
In a statement ahead of the announcement, Starmer said: “People rightly expect action, and this government will always stand up for parents and put children first.”
Can children still use WhatsApp and messaging apps?
At present, messaging services such as WhatsApp do not appear to be included in the proposed ban.
The government’s focus is currently on social media and content-sharing platforms.
However, ministers have indicated that broader online safety measures are still being developed.
What happens next?
The government is expected to publish further details on:
- Implementation dates
- Age-verification requirements
- Enforcement measures
- Penalties for platforms
- Social media curfews for older teenagers
- Restrictions on AI chatbots
With the UK set to become one of the first countries in the world to introduce a nationwide social media ban for under-16s, the policy is likely to face intense scrutiny from technology companies, campaigners, parents and young people in the months ahead.
