British PM Keir Starmer Launches Bold Social Media Ban for Under-16s Across UK: Which Platforms Are Affected?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the social media ban for under-16s across the UK. (Credit: Keir Starmer/Facebook)

Millions of children under 16 could be banned from using social media under new government plans aimed at tackling online harms and reducing the influence of addictive digital platforms on young people.

The proposals, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall on 15 June, would mark one of the biggest changes to Britain's online safety framework in years. Modelled in part on Australia's landmark social media restrictions for under-16s, the plans would also introduce tighter controls on livestreaming, some gaming services and AI companion chatbots.