The UK government has announced a ban on social media access for users under the age of 16, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing it as “real change for our children and our future.” Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Starmer outlined the plans, which go further than similar legislation in Australia.
Starmer’s Statement on the Ban
“Social media is making children unhappy, it’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health,” Starmer said. The ban will apply to all major social platforms, with additional restrictions on online products not covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, including removing the option to chat with strangers.
Starmer acknowledged the complexity of the move: “This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has been no benefit to young people, because clearly that is wrong. But government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a total ban is the right choice.”
Support from Campaigners and Parents
The announcement was made before an audience that included campaigners for a ban, among them parents who have lost children. Starmer thanked them and emphasized his commitment: “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and that is why this ban will happen.”
He noted the challenges: “Yes, it’s hard – hard to legislate for, hard to regulate, hard to enforce. That’s why we sought a wide range of views on this. That’s why we listened to people, had a conversation, we looked carefully at the evidence, learned from countries like Australia that are taking similar steps.”
Public Consultation Results
The government stated on Sunday that nine in 10 parents supported a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media apps, based on responses to its “growing up in the online world” consultation. The ban is part of broader efforts to address harmful online content and protect young people’s mental health.
