Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that all children under the age of 16 will be banned from using social media. The announcement, made at a press conference, was met with applause and cheers. Starmer stated that the ban will be passed in Parliament before Christmas and come into effect at the beginning of 2027.
Consultation and Public Opinion
The decision follows a consultation that ended less than three weeks ago, drawing over 110,000 responses, including tens of thousands from parents. A new poll by the Public Policy Research (PPR) think tank indicates that the public is divided: 44% support a ban, while 39% prefer tighter regulation. However, among parents with children under 16, 54% back a ban compared to 36% who favor regulation.
Starmer's Rationale
Speaking at the press conference, Starmer said, “It is clear to me that a full ban is the right choice.” He explained that his decision was influenced by being a parent of two. “All I want for my children is for them to be happy and safe,” he said. He questioned whether social media creates a happy and safe environment for children, adding, “Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy. It is making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them.”
Starmer also highlighted the addictive nature of social media, noting features like infinite scroll designed to keep users engaged for hours.
Support from Campaigners
Esther Ghey, whose transgender daughter Brianna was killed in 2023, has been a vocal advocate for the ban. She told Metro, “This really calls for strong leadership from Keir Starmer. The longer we delay, the more children’s lives will be lost.”
Background and Implementation
The government has faced pressure to act since Australia began enforcing a similar ban in December 2025. Peers in the House of Lords have voted twice to include the measure in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, leading to a compromise. Reports suggest the UK may follow Australia’s model, allowing under-16s to access curated sites like YouTube Kids while blocking others.
The ban is expected to be a significant step in protecting children online, with the government emphasizing the need for swift action.
