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'Tech giants had their chance and failed, but they're stepping in to protect children,' said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Key facts
The country's ministers also went to Australia to study the effects of that nation's social media ban, which went into effect on December 10, 2025
Following a consultation, the UK is banning young people under 16 from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced
The results of the UK consultation showed that nine in 10 parents supported a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media apps, the government said
Those include barring children under 16 from chatting with strangers, live streaming or using romantic chatbots
Summary
Following a consultation, the UK is banning young people under 16 from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced. The plan includes not only a ban from major social media platforms, but also restrictions on gaming apps as well. The UK will follow a similar model as the social media ban in Australia. Starmer acknowledged that kids will find ways around the ban, but said that wasn't a good excuse for not enacting a law.