The UK is moving to implement a complete ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16. This initiative will not only target social media platforms but will also extend to online gaming and live streaming services, potentially establishing one of the world's most stringent youth online regulations.
On June 15, CNN reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for legislation to prohibit social media access for those under 16, stating it would be "the strongest online protection measures in any country."
According to the UK government, the regulations will apply to platforms that allow user interaction and provide content through algorithms. As a result, major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) will be off-limits for users under 16. However, messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will be excluded from this ban.
Starmer emphasized that the measures aim to support parents struggling to protect their children from online dangers, asserting that the regulations will provide clear standards for what is safe and age-appropriate. The government plans to submit the bill to Parliament by the end of the year, with an implementation target of spring 2027.
This initiative follows a growing trend of youth social media regulations across Europe and Asia. CNN noted that Spain banned social media use for those under 16 in February, while Malaysia began implementing similar regulations this month. France, Denmark, and Norway are also pursuing comparable legislation.
Australia became the first country to ban social media for under-16s in December 2025, although debates about its effectiveness continue. A survey by the Australian eSafety Commissioner revealed that many youths still maintained social media accounts despite the ban. Approximately 70% of respondents aged 8 to 15 who had accounts before the regulation continued to keep them.
The UK government plans to strengthen its regulations based on Australia's experience. In addition to the social media ban, it intends to restrict live streaming and online communication with strangers for those under 16. These regulations will also apply to other online services, including gaming platforms.
Child protection organizations have largely welcomed the initiative. Chris Sherwood, CEO of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), described it as a "turning point for child protection" and urged the government to demonstrate strong enforcement commitment.
Conversely, big tech companies have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such measures. Meta told CNN that the ban could risk pushing youths to unregulated platforms without protective measures. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, stated that isolating youths from friends and family may not necessarily lead to safer outcomes.
CNN reported that the UK government plans to outline specific enforcement strategies and exceptions in the future, predicting that if implemented, the UK will become one of the countries with the most robust youth online regulations in the world.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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