The UK has named the social media platforms that would be off-limits to under-16s under new plans announced by Keir Starmer, who said young people are encountering ‘dangerous’ material online.
The government has said it intends to bring in a minimum age of 16 for a range of social media platforms, with the changes expected to come into force in 2027 if the proposals are approved and the necessary legislation is passed.
Speaking at a press conference, the Prime Minister said online platforms are having a ‘dangerous’ effect on children’s wellbeing, happiness and mental health.
The move comes after months of consultation and follow-up measures by ministers, who have also been looking at time limits, overnight curfews and other restrictions on addictive design features such as infinite scrolling.
The services named as part of the proposed ban are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, TikTok and YouTube.
Messaging apps including WhatsApp and Signal are not currently expected to fall within the scope of the ban, with the government citing child safety considerations.
Ministers have also said that the crackdown is likely to cover some online gaming and livestreaming features that are seen as particularly risky for children, including direct messaging and interactions with strangers.
In addition, AI ‘romantic companion’ bots, designed to mimic sexual relationships or roleplay interactions with users, would be subject to a minimum age requirement of 18.
Starmer said he believes the policy can work, while accepting that some children may still attempt to bypass the rules.
However, the planned measures go beyond a simple platform ban.
Ministers are also considering overnight social media curfews, along with breaks to interrupt infinite scrolling for users under the age of 18.
“This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.
“All I’ve ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe, and I think that’s what any parent wants, but I ask the question now: Do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children?”
The proposals mirror action already taken in Australia, where a similar under-16 social media ban came into force in December 2025.
Under that system, children were prevented from creating new accounts and any profiles they already had were shut down.
“Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy.”
Further limits tied to the proposals would include restrictions on features viewed as risky on gaming platforms, such as livestreaming and communication with strangers.
According to the government, nine out of ten parents support the action, and the proposals are likely to be brought before Parliament before the end of the year.