UK’s planned socmed ban draws mixed response
London—Children under 16 will be banned from using social media in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday, saying such platforms were making youngsters “unhappy.”
Some children’s charities welcomed the sweeping change, which is likely to trigger a major fight with US tech giants, but others warned it could make teenagers less safe online.
Starmer, likely to face a leadership challenge in the coming weeks, said social media sites were exposing children to content that is “dangerous” and “designed to be addictive.”
The ban will “include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X” but not messaging services such as WhatsApp, the government said.
Young people gave a mixed response.
“I think it’s a good thing, to be honest, because I don’t even remember what age I was when I got Instagram, but it was just way too early,” student Connie Skitt, 19, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Buxton, central England.
“You’re making friends with people you don’t know. It’s like, not that safe.”
But 18-year-old tour guide Tom Warvell expressed concerns that 16 was “a little bit high,” arguing younger teens were “a better age to focus on.”
“Times have changed so it is important for people to still be able to use it.”
Australian example
Starmer said the upcoming ban was influenced by the experience of Australia, which in December became the first nation to ban people under 16 from social media.
The UK leader said he hoped to pass the regulation by late December and for the ban to come into force within months next year.
He suggested that YouTube Kids, Lego Play and Google Classroom would not be prohibited.
Meanwhile, “harmful functions” on gaming services and live streaming platforms allowing strangers to contact children will be blocked.
The government said it would also consider overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for minors, and would announce more detail in July.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the move on X, saying: “Social media giants operate across borders. By standing together, we can do more to hold them accountable and keep children safe online.”
Canada and France are among other countries considering similar bans, while Indonesia began enforcing its ban for users under 16 in March.
Harry, Meghan back move
Britain’s ban could anger US President Donald Trump after the US Embassy in London earlier this month came out against “broad social media bans.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have campaigned globally on the issue, welcomed the UK move.
