Social Media Sites Banned in UK for Under 16s as Government Names Full List
The policy covers Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, and was backed by 90% of parents in a public consultation.
- On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a landmark ban on social media for under-16s, framing it as a "line in the sand" to protect children from addictive algorithms and restore their childhoods.
- Following a public consultation involving more than 116,000 responses, the government cited academic studies linking social media to declining teenage mental health, with 90% of parents backing the restrictions.
- The ban covers major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, while excluding messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal, and restricts "high risk" features such as livestreaming and stranger communication.
- Facebook and Instagram-owner Meta warned that bans risk driving teens to unregulated alternatives, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall countered that tech companies had "countless opportunities to keep children safe" but failed to act.
- Ofcom will conduct rapid studies into age assurance measures before spring 2027 enforcement, as the government draws up plans for overnight scrolling curfews and enforced breaks in "infinite scrolling" for minors under 18.
51 Articles
51 Articles
The British government is planning a far-reaching ban on social media for young people under the age of 16.
If passed, the regulation would affect some of the most popular platforms among young people, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threats, Snapchat, Twitch and Kick.
Major Government Announces Sweeping Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16 * 100PercentFedUp.com * by Isaac
A major Western government just announced a sweeping move that would kick children under 16 off some of the biggest social media platforms in the world. The country is the United Kingdom, and the target list includes Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The announcement landed June 15 in an official GOV.UK release that frames the policy as a way to give children “their childhood back.” The rules are expected to be brought to Pa…
In the population, there is great support for the Labour Government's plan, but experts are critical of the ban.
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