UK to introduce social media ban for children under 16

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that teenagers under the age of 16 will be banned from using social media, including TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.

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"A total ban is the right choice," the Prime Minister said, adding that he is not "prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children."

Responding to a question from a technology editor about when the ban would take effect, Starmer said: "We hope to have the regulation passed by Christmas."

He also posted on the social network X that "we are banning access to social media for children under 16." He added that today's children are growing up in a world where technology permeates every area of their lives and emphasized that he can no longer allow this situation to continue. According to him, the government is "giving children their childhood back."

TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are among the apps that could be included in the list of banned platforms.

These measures are part of a government plan to protect young people from online harm and to combat unhealthy late-night scrolling on phones.

The government also plans to ban children from livestreaming on "safer" platforms and to restrict the ability to communicate with strangers in gaming apps.

Ministers are also considering the introduction of "social curfews" for children, though details will not be announced until at least next month.

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