UK Teen Social Ban
Britain moves to restrict social media use for children under 16.
June 15, 2026 · Updated Jun 15, 10:10pm ET
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What happened
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, in rules expected to take effect in early 2027. The government says the measure is aimed at protecting children from harmful content, excessive screen time and risky online interactions, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are expected to be excluded. Ministers also plan wider protections, including restrictions on high-risk features such as livestreaming and contact from strangers, with platforms required to take reasonable steps to keep minors off their services. The move places the U.K. alongside countries such as Australia that are pursuing tougher age-based online safety rules for children.