The UK government is set to introduce tough new restrictions on social media use for teenagers, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing a ban on under-16s from major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X. The measures, described as 'Australia plus,' will also impose limitations on gaming apps, including removing options for young users to chat with strangers, and restrict late-night scrolling for older teenagers.
Key Details of the Ban
Under the new rules, teenagers under 16 will be prohibited from using all major social media platforms. For online products not covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, features allowing communication with strangers will be removed. Additionally, teenagers up to age 18 will face restrictions on scrolling after 8:30 PM to prevent harmful addictive content.
Government Rationale
Government sources cited protecting teenagers from harmful addictive content, like infinite scrolling, and preventing contact with strangers as primary motivations. Under-18s will also be barred from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots. 'There are no half measures here,' a government source stated.
Legislative Approach
The government may need new legislation to enforce the ban and adapt to evolving technology, though the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act already provides some powers. The UK ban mirrors Australia's approach, which restricts under-16s from ten major platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitch.
Public Support
On Sunday, the government revealed that nine out of ten parents backed a minimum age of 16 for accessing social apps, according to responses to its 'growing up in the online world' consultation. Nearly 88% believed the ban would reduce children's exposure to inappropriate content, and almost two-thirds of young respondents said restricting high-risk features would enhance their online safety.
Ministerial Comments
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged that the ban is not a 'silver bullet solution' but emphasized its role in protecting young people. 'It stops the situation where kids as young as eight, nine, ten, eleven are going on to social media sites because all their friends are on them,' she said, noting Australia's success in demonstrating the measure's significance.
