The United Kingdom is set to implement new regulations that will prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, with plans to extend restrictions beyond those introduced by other countries. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the measures this week, signaling a significant shift in the government’s approach to protecting children from harmful online content.

The proposed ban will cover major social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Beyond social media, the new rules will also restrict livestreaming and limit communications between children under 16 and strangers on gaming sites and other online services. Additional measures under consideration include introducing “overnight curfews” and breaks in infinite scrolling for individuals under 18, provisions expected to be elaborated on in July. The government has also indicated plans to enforce a minimum age of 18 for users interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots designed to simulate romantic or sexual interactions, although no timeline for this measure has been specified.

The UK government has set a legislative timeline targeting the introduction of these new rules by the end of 2024, with an enforcement date planned for early 2027. Starmer acknowledged that while it would not be possible to prevent all children from using social media, the government is committed to taking action. He dismissed arguments against the ban by drawing parallels with age restrictions on alcohol sales, emphasizing the necessity of regulatory measures despite practical challenges.

The move follows growing public concern about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. A December poll by YouGov found that nearly three-quarters of Britons support banning social media for children under 16. A recent government survey reported that nine out of ten parents favor such restrictions. Advocacy from families affected by tragedies involving their children and harmful online content has further heightened pressure on policymakers.

Britain’s approach is influenced by Australia's social media ban enacted in December 2023, which bars users under 16 from many platforms. Australian authorities reported removing access to nearly 4.7 million accounts belonging to underage users, yet enforcement challenges persist, with a majority of surveyed parents indicating their children still access these services through workarounds such as fake birth dates or shared accounts.

Other countries have adopted similar measures. Malaysia implemented rules this month barring children under 16 from social media accounts, following its November announcement. Indonesia began enforcing restrictions on “high-risk platforms” including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox in March. China maintains stringent controls, including tight time limits on children’s online gaming and extensive platform blocks. Brazil introduced legislation in March mandating that children under 16 link social media accounts to legal guardians for supervision, alongside prohibitions on manipulative design practices. In the United States, federal laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act limit data collection from children under 13, but comprehensive bans face legal and jurisdictional hurdles.

The UK’s forthcoming legislation is positioned to be among the most far-reaching, reflecting intensified governmental efforts to curb the potential harms associated with children’s engagement with digital platforms.