The United Kingdom has announced a new policy banning children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the measure will come into force following regulations set out by the end of this year, with full implementation expected in early 2027.

The policy also includes limits on daily social media use for 16- and 17-year-olds in an effort to reduce late-night scrolling and improve online wellbeing.

The government plans to enforce the restrictions using “highly effective age assurance” systems, though specific details on how verification will work at scale remain unclear.Social media companies that fail to comply could face penalties.

The announcement follows a public consultation in which more than 90 per cent of over 39,000 participating parents supported stronger restrictions on children’s access to social media.The U.K.joins countries such as Australia and Canada in introducing similar measures aimed at protecting minors online.

Australia previously implemented a ban on under-16 users across several platforms, although reports suggest that many young users have found ways to bypass restrictions.

Canada has also proposed legislation requiring platforms to block users under 16, with possible exemptions for companies that demonstrate adequate safeguards.Supporters of the U.K.plan, including some families affected by online harms, have welcomed the move as a step toward improving child safety.

However, critics argue the ban may be difficult to enforce and could provide a false sense of security if platforms do not meaningfully improve safety design.The debate continues over whether age restrictions alone can address broader risks associated with social media use among young people.