Britain has introduced a new restriction banning social media use for anyone under the age of 16, in a policy the government says is designed to protect children from the growing intrusion of technology into their daily lives.
The announcement was made by Keir Starmer in a video message shared on X on Monday, where he defended the move as necessary to restore childhood experience away from constant digital exposure.
“We are banning social media access for under 16s.
“These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.
“I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back,” he said in a message attached to the video.
The government said the policy is driven by rising concern over how social media is affecting the mental health and wellbeing of young people across the country.
According to the BBC, authorities already have legal backing through existing laws, including the Online Safety Act and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which provide powers to enforce age and usage limits on digital platforms.
The measure is also modeled on Australia’s 2025 decision to restrict social media access for under-16s, covering major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and other services that allow users to post content and interact online.
