The UK government has announced a social media ban for individuals under the age of 16, set to be implemented in early 2027.
Additionally, the government is exploring an overnight curfew and measures to halt endless scrolling for those under 18.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that keeping children off social media is the most effective method to ensure their online safety.
Which social media platforms will be subject to the ban for under-16s?
The prohibition will encompass platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, according to the government.
A definitive list of platforms affected has not yet been disclosed. However, the government indicated it would apply to those "whose purpose is to enable social interaction and which allow users to post material."
Features like livestreaming and the ability for strangers to contact children will also be limited.
The government clarified that it does not plan to include messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal in the social media ban.
Currently, most social media platforms already mandate that children be over 13 to create accounts and use their services.
What measures are being considered for under-18s?
The government stated that for the "high risk" functions of livestreaming and chatting with strangers, restrictions will be automatically enabled for under-17s "to prevent a cliff-edge at 16."
It also noted that it is examining overnight curfews and pauses in infinite scrolling for under-18s, with further details to be announced in July.
AI "romantic companion" chatbots, designed to simulate sexual relationships or role play with users, will be required to enforce a minimum age of 18.
More broadly, AI chatbots will need to restrict "intimate functionalities" for under-18s, the government said.
When will the social media ban take effect?
The prime minister stated that the government intends to pass regulations before Christmas.
This timeline would allow the ban to be implemented by spring 2027.
The announcement follows a public consultation that garnered over 116,000 responses.
How will the ban be enforced?
The government said that "highly effective age assurance" measures would be employed to verify the ages of social media users.
This typically involves requiring companies to use technology that accurately estimates or verifies a person's age, such as facial scans or requesting identification.
The regulator Ofcom has been tasked with conducting a rapid study to determine the best methods for verifying if someone is over 16.
Several platforms, including pornographic sites, are already required to perform these checks. Ofcom has fined multiple platforms for non-compliance.
However, concerns have been raised about tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) being used to circumvent these measures.
How have families and children responded?
Among those advocating for a social media ban for under-16s are bereaved parents.
Mariano Janin, whose daughter Mia died at age 14 after experiencing cyber-bullying, said the announcement left him "speechless."
"I think it's a change in the right direction, it won't be easy, but it will be possible," he commented.
Lisa Kenevan, who believes her son Issac died at age 13 after participating in a viral trend, told BBC Breakfast that while parents wanted the ban "a lot sooner," the announcement means "we're in a good place now."
However, speaking ahead of the announcement, Ian Russell—whose daughter Molly took her own life at age 14 after viewing harmful content online—accused the government of rushing restrictions for political reasons. He argued that "sledgehammer techniques like bans" only create more problems.
Some teenagers have expressed worry about how a social media ban will impact their ability to connect with friends and express themselves.
George, aged 14, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he believes people his age should be able to make their own choices because "we're beyond people saying what we have to do."
Lilly, 15, from Cumbria, said apps like TikTok allow her to "communicate more," for example by enabling her to post videos of her performing.
What have social media companies said about the ban?
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, stated that a ban would not achieve the goal of keeping teens safe online.
"As we've seen in Australia, bans risk isolating teens from online communities and information, and driving them to unregulated alternatives that lack built-in protections and parental controls," it said.
Restrictions should be "underpinned by an age verification system on devices," so that people are not asked to "hand over ID to dozens of individual services," Meta added.
YouTube said it is a "vital resource for young people" and that a ban risks pushing children toward "anonymous, less safe services."
Snapchat noted that the majority of time on its platform is spent in private messaging between friends and family, and a ban "may simply push them to less safe platforms."
What is Australia's social media ban, and what have other countries done?
Australia introduced a social media ban for children in December 2025. The UK government said it would follow this model.
The most popular sites in Australia are now required to prevent children from setting up new accounts. Existing profiles belonging to under-16s had to be deactivated.
Australia's rules apply to 10 platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.
The exclusion of gaming platforms Discord and Roblox drew criticism from some.
More than six months on, implementing the policy remains challenging.
One student told BBC News that in her grade of over 170 students, she knew of only three who had been removed from social media.
And 70% of parents have informed Australia's internet regulator that their children are still using these platforms.
No fines have been issued yet, but the eSafety Commission is investigating potential non-compliance by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 25 countries have social media age restrictions in force, enacted, or under active consideration.
In Spain and Portugal, politicians have announced plans and partially voted on rules. Their bans are likely to come into effect this year.
Governments in France, Malaysia, Denmark, Indonesia, Norway, and Canada are also in the process of implementing a ban.
Laws have been passed in several US states, but these are being challenged in the courts.
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