U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a sweeping ban on social media use for children under 16, according to multiple media reports.
The proposed measures, described by some reports as an “Australia Plus” model, would prohibit under-16s from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, Reddit, YouTube, Threads, Twitch and Kick.
The policy is expected to go beyond an outright social media ban. While gaming platforms and other online services would remain available, companies would be required to disable features that allow younger users to communicate with strangers. Restrictions would also prevent users under 18 from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots and could introduce limits on late-night scrolling for older teenagers.
The U.K. government is expected to rely partly on existing powers under the country’s online safety framework to enforce some measures, although additional legislation may be needed to fully implement the policy. Age verification technologies, including digital ID checks and facial age estimation, are likely to play a key role in enforcement.
The move follows a growing international trend led by Australia, which introduced similar restrictions for under-16s in late 2025. Several countries are now considering comparable measures amid mounting concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, online safety and exposure to harmful content.
Supporters of the proposal argue that stricter rules are needed to protect young people from cyberbullying, self-harm content, addictive algorithms and unwanted contact from strangers. The issue has gained significant attention in the U.K. following calls from campaigners and bereaved families, including the family of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who have argued that harmful online content can worsen mental health struggles.
However, critics warn that the restrictions could undermine online privacy, require widespread age verification for all users and push teenagers toward less-regulated platforms or virtual private networks (VPNs). Some experts also question whether broad social media bans deliver measurable mental health benefits for young people.
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Details of the policy, including implementation timelines and enforcement mechanisms, are expected to be announced in Starmer’s speech on Monday.
