United Kingdom’s (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed plans to ban under-16s from social media before the second half of 2027.
Starmer revealed in a video announcement that the decision follows a nationwide consultation to seek parents’ view on the plan. According to him, thousands of parents across the UK believe that social media platforms are affecting their kids’ lives.
The Prime Minister stressed that social media is making the kids “unhappy and unsafe”. As a result, it is necessary to protect and shield them from these platforms.
The Government revealed in an additional statement that the ban is expected to come into force by Spring 2027.
Some of the targeted platforms would include Snapchat, TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Meanwhile, WhatsApp and Signal would be exempted are they are purely for messaging.
“A full ban is the right choice… I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” Starmer said in the broadcast.
The UK’s planned social media move aligns with a wave of similar actions taking place across the world. Last December, Australia made a similar move to become the first country to introduce a ban.
However, reports suggest that teenagers are bypassing age restriction systems on these platforms.
