The UK government has announced plans to restrict access to social media platforms for users under the age of 16, in a move described as a major step toward improving child safety and wellbeing online.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the proposed policy represents “real change for our children and our future,” arguing that social media is contributing to unhappiness among young people, enabling bullying, and potentially affecting mental health.
Under the proposal, major social media platforms would be covered by a full age restriction, while additional rules would apply to online services such as gaming apps, including limits on features that allow children to interact with strangers.
He acknowledged that the decision would not be without challenges, but insisted it was necessary to protect children. According to him, government decisions must reflect values and responsibilities, even when they are difficult to enforce.
The plan is expected to be introduced through legislation, with lawmakers aiming to pass the bill before the end of the year and begin enforcement by next spring. The government also believes the policy has strong parental support based on consultation feedback.
Starmer added that the aim is not to reject technology, but to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of children’s safety, stressing that young people should be able to grow up in a safer and more secure digital environment.
