UK Confirms Full Social Media Ban for Under-16s as Party of New Online Safety Rules

The United Kingdom has announced a sweeping restriction on social media access for users under the age of 16, with additional limits planned for older teenagers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the policy during a Downing Street briefing on Monday, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen online protections for children.

Under the new framework, under-16s will be barred from using social media platforms altogether. Features such as livestreaming and tools that enable communication with strangers will also be restricted, while 17-year-olds will face default limitations on certain functions.

Starmer said the decision reflects a firm stance on child safety online. “A full ban is the right choice,” he stated, adding that he was not “prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.” He further emphasized, “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen.”

The announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment for Starmer, following poor local election results in May and ahead of a closely watched by-election in Makerfield. The contest has been linked to potential leadership challenges within Labour, including speculation around figures such as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, both of whom have expressed support for stricter online rules.

Although Starmer had previously shown caution about imposing a blanket ban, arguing earlier in the year that social media also provides educational and social benefits, he ultimately moved forward with the measure. Public polling appears to support the decision, with a recent survey indicating broad parental approval.

The policy will also extend beyond social networking platforms. The government confirmed that AI “romantic companion” chatbots simulating emotional or sexual relationships will be prohibited for users under 18.

Officials said additional safeguards are under consideration, including possible overnight usage limits and breaks designed to reduce endless scrolling. These proposals are expected to be further detailed in July, with formal legislation to be introduced before the end of the year and implementation targeted for spring 2027.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said it will continue refining the rules, while the communications regulator Ofcom confirmed it is prepared to support enforcement as the regulatory framework is finalized.

International reaction has been mixed, with the United States cautioning against broad regulatory approaches that could be seen as overly restrictive. UK officials, however, maintain that the focus remains on protecting minors in the digital environment.