The United Kingdom government has announced a new policy restricting children below the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, citing concerns over the effects of online activity on young people’s safety and mental wellbeing.
Key Highlights:
- UK plans to restrict social media use for under-16s under Keir Starmer
- Aim is to improve child safety and mental health
- Concerns over addiction, sleep loss, and overuse
- Based on parent feedback and government consultations
- Enforcement and tech company pushback expected
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the move in a video message, saying the decision was made after considering concerns raised by parents about the growing influence of social media on children.
Starmer, speaking as both a parent and prime minister, said protecting children from harmful online experiences had become necessary.
“Every parent wants the best for their kids. All I have ever wanted for my children is for them to be safe and happy,” he said.
The prime minister said children are growing up in a world where technology affects almost every part of their daily lives, adding that many parents believe social media has become difficult for young people to manage.
He said government consultations showed that thousands of parents were worried about their children’s heavy dependence on social media platforms.
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According to Starmer, excessive use of social media can lead to endless scrolling habits that reduce time spent sleeping, playing and connecting with family members.
The government described the decision as a major national step, while acknowledging that enforcing the restriction would come with challenges.
“It’s a big step for our country. We have looked carefully at the evidence and we will continue to adapt as technology changes,” Starmer said.
He also warned that the policy could face opposition from major technology companies but insisted the government would continue with the plan.
The prime minister said the goal of the measure is to create a safer environment for children and ensure they have a healthier childhood away from the harmful effects of uncontrolled social media use.
