UK Bans Under-16s From Social Media, Enforcement Set for 2027

Britain will ban children under 16 from Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The policy rolls out in spring 2027.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the policy Monday, writing on his personal Substack that the government is “giving children their childhoods back.” The ban follows more than 116,000 consultation responses, the majority from parents who supported the measure.

Facial scans and other age verification tools will back up the ban. Separately, children under 17 will lose access to livestreaming and stranger chat features. Harmful AI chatbots will be off-limits for anyone under 18.

Starmer cited Australia’s similar ban as a model. Families of social media victims — including those of Brianna Ghey and Molly Russell — called the decision world-leading.

“Find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.” — Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Not everyone is convinced. Reform UK’s Rupert Lowe called the ban unworkable and said it tramples on parental rights. He pointed out that teenagers can vote or get behind the wheel at 16 yet under this plan, they cannot open a social media account.

In a post on X, Starmer said children must currently “find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life” and said the government had to act.