Britain to Ban Social Media for Users Under 16

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a full ban on social media access for children under 16. The sweeping regulations will also impose new restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms.

Starmer stated the decision was the "right choice" to protect the well-being of children online, emphasizing the government's willingness to confront major technology companies. The move follows extensive consultation that generated over 116,000 responses.

The policy escalates Britain's increasingly aggressive regulatory stance. The country follows Australia, which blocked under-16s from platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook last December. Public support appears strong, with 90 percent of responding parents backing a minimum age of 16.

While the government moves forward, some researchers question the efficacy of a ban. A group of London school children reported a conflicted relationship with the technology, highlighting the tension between connectivity and the acknowledged mental health risks of excessive online exposure.