Starmer Government to Enforce Under-16 Social Media Ban in Spring 2027

2026-06-15

UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in Spring 2027

Targeting users under 16

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on the 15th that his government plans to ban social media use by people under 16. The measure is expected to take effect in spring 2027. Since Australia became the first country in the world to introduce age restrictions in 2025, similar moves have spread across Europe and Southeast Asia.

At a news conference, Starmer said social media was making children unhappy, criticizing it for encouraging bullying and interfering with homework, reading, playing with friends and proper bedtimes. 'A full ban is the right choice,' he said, adding that he intended to pass the rules before Christmas and bring them into force around spring 2027.

Children's services exempt

Meanwhile, children's services such as the video app YouTube Kids will not be banned. A public consultation the UK government carried out earlier on social media regulation drew 116,000 responses, and 90% of parents who replied backed a ban on use by those under 16.

Starmer also stressed that Britain would lead the world in tackling gaming services and live-streaming platforms that allow adults to contact children without identity checks.

Age limits spreading globally

Age restrictions on social media are spreading across countries. Australia enacted the world's first law in 2025. In Europe, France has passed a bill banning use by those under 15, while Spain, Portugal and Greece are also leaning toward introducing restrictions. Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey are following suit.

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