The UK government will ban people under the age of 16 from using a range of social media applications in order to protect the physical and mental health of teenagers.
UK Prime Minister Starmer said on social media on the 15th that children today are growing up in a world where technology invades every aspect of life, and "I can no longer let this situation continue."
He stated that the government’s move is intended to give childhood back to the children. The UK government will also take steps to prevent strangers from contacting children on gaming or live streaming platforms.
The UK government released an announcement on the same day stating that measures will be taken to avoid a “cliff edge” in protection at the age of 16. The government will also further explore measures such as imposing a “curfew” on social media use at night for users under the age of 18, with more details to be announced in July.
The announcement stated that the UK plans to refer to the Australian model in implementing the social media ban. On December 10, 2025, Australia’s social media ban for under-16s will officially take effect. This is the world's first set of legislative measures imposing a minimum age limit for social media use.
Earlier this year, the UK government launched a national consultation on children’s use of mobile phones and social media, and stated that it would develop further measures based on the results of the consultation to improve the level of online safety for children.
He stated that the government’s move is intended to give childhood back to the children. The UK government will also take steps to prevent strangers from contacting children on gaming or live streaming platforms.
The UK government released an announcement on the same day stating that measures will be taken to avoid a “cliff edge” in protection at the age of 16. The government will also further explore measures such as imposing a “curfew” on social media use at night for users under the age of 18, with more details to be announced in July.
The announcement stated that the UK plans to refer to the Australian model in implementing the social media ban. On December 10, 2025, Australia’s social media ban for under-16s will officially take effect. This is the world's first set of legislative measures imposing a minimum age limit for social media use.
Earlier this year, the UK government launched a national consultation on children’s use of mobile phones and social media, and stated that it would develop further measures based on the results of the consultation to improve the level of online safety for children.