No More TikTok For Teens? UK Moves To Ban Under-16s From Social Media

In one of the most far-reaching online safety reforms in Europe, the United Kingdom has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, citing growing concerns about the impact of digital content on young people's mental health and wellbeing.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the proposal on Monday following a nationwide consultation that attracted more than 116,000 responses from parents, children and experts.

Announcing the policy, Starmer said the government had concluded that stronger intervention was necessary to protect children from online harms.

"Social media is making children unhappy," the Prime Minister said, adding that while online platforms offer benefits, the government must prioritise the welfare of young people.

Under the proposed framework, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and X would be required to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services.

The government said it would adopt and strengthen elements of Australia's model, while introducing stricter age-verification systems and broader restrictions covering certain online services. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban.

Authorities also plan to limit access to some artificial intelligence chatbots and online gaming functions for younger users. AI-powered "romantic companion" chatbots will be restricted to adults aged 18 and above.

The proposed measures will require social media companies to implement what officials described as Highly Effective Age Assurance systems designed to verify users' ages more accurately and prevent children from bypassing restrictions.

The communications regulator, Ofcom, has been tasked with conducting an urgent review of age-verification technologies and developing an enforcement framework. Additional safeguards under consideration include overnight social media curfews and measures to disrupt endless scrolling features for under-18s.

The reforms are expected to begin taking effect from spring 2027.

The government's decision follows overwhelming public support for tougher controls. According to consultation findings, nine out of ten parents backed a social media ban for children under 16, while two-thirds of young respondents agreed that some platforms should be off-limits to younger users.

Officials said the responsibility for enforcing the ban would rest with technology companies rather than parents or children.

Starmer stressed that firms operating online platforms must take greater responsibility for ensuring child safety, warning that government regulators would closely monitor compliance once the new rules come into force.