British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, describing the move as a major step toward protecting young people in the digital age.
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer said social media is increasingly contributing to unhappiness among children by encouraging cyberbullying, exposing young users to harmful content, and creating addictive online habits.
Under the proposed legislation, children under 16 would be barred from using major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X.
The government is also planning tighter regulations for online gaming services and livestreaming platforms where children can interact with strangers, aiming to strengthen digital safety measures.
Starmer stressed that the government is not prepared to compromise when it comes to protecting children, calling the proposed ban the right choice for families and society.
Officials hope to pass the necessary legislation before Christmas, with the restrictions expected to take effect in early 2027 if approved by Parliament.
The proposal has sparked debate over online freedom and child protection, but supporters argue stronger safeguards are needed as young people spend more time in digital spaces.
If implemented, the UK would become one of the first major countries to introduce such broad restrictions on children's access to social media, potentially setting a new global standard for online safety.
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