The UK government has officially announced a ban on social media apps for individuals under the age of 16, a measure set to take effect next year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the decision, which will prevent millions of phone users from accessing popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Details of the Ban
The ban is expected to be enforced from early 2027. It will apply to user-to-user platforms that enable social interaction and allow users to post content, alongside algorithm-driven feeds. The government aims to use a model similar to the one recently adopted in Australia, with the goal of enhancing online safety for young people.
Affected Platforms
The following apps are confirmed to be blocked for under-16s:
- TikTok
- Threads
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Snapchat
- Twitch
- Kick
Exemptions
Messaging services will not be impacted by the ban. The government stated, "We do not intend for messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal to be included in the social media ban."
Government Statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever. I've heard first hand from families crying out for change, and we will do right by them. That's why we're going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back. This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we're stepping in to protect children, back parents, and set a new normal for future generations."
The ban is designed to support parents in navigating the risks children face online and to provide clear guidance on age-appropriate content.
