The United Kingdom is set to introduce legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, in a significant policy shift on online safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the proposal on Monday, stating that the measure is aimed at addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s wellbeing.
If approved by Parliament, the law is expected to be passed before the end of the year and come into force in early 2027.
The proposed restrictions would apply to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Messaging services like WhatsApp are expected to be exempt.
Starmer argued that many social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for long periods, raising concerns about addiction and mental health effects among teenagers.
“Every parent can see it with their own eyes: social media is making children unhappy,” he said, adding that families across the country have been demanding stronger protections for children online.
He further noted that he has personally heard concerns from parents calling for urgent government intervention.
The move places the UK alongside countries such as Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, which have also introduced or considered stricter regulations on youth access to social media.
While the proposal has been welcomed by child protection advocates, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, it is expected to face resistance from major US-based technology companies.
The legislation, if passed, would mark one of the most restrictive social media policies in Europe and could influence global debates on digital safety for children.
