Under-16s to be banned from social media under new government plans

Major platforms including TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat could be off-limits for under-16s from next year.

Two young girls spending time at home focusing on their mobile phones

Olga Pankova/Getty

Published: June 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM

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The UK government has announced plans to ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms, in what it describes as a significant step to improve children's online safety.

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The proposed rules would affect some of the most popular apps used by young people, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included.

If approved, the government says it hopes to pass the necessary regulations before Christmas, with the new restrictions expected to come into force from early next year.

Which social media platforms would be affected?

According to details released by the government, the ban would apply to platforms that enable social interaction between users and allow people to post content alongside algorithm-driven feeds.

The platforms expected to be covered include:

The government has indicated that private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal would not fall under the proposed ban.

What has the government said?

Announcing the plans, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "It's clear to me that a full ban is the right choice."

He said the decision had been shaped by concerns about children's wellbeing and online safety, adding: "All I've ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe, I think that's what any parent wants."

The prime minister also argued that social media platforms can expose children to bullying and harmful content, while encouraging excessive screen time.

He said: "Social media is making children unhappy."

I want this message to be heard loud and clear. I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

What other online restrictions are being considered?

Alongside the social media ban, the government has outlined plans to restrict certain online features for children.

These could include:

The government says some protections would also be switched on by default for 16 and 17-year-olds.

What are campaigners saying?

Several parents and campaigners who have called for stronger online safety measures have welcomed the announcement.

Lisa Kenevan, whose son Isaac died aged 13, said she was pleased to see action being taken after years of campaigning.

She said she felt the prime minister had been a "human being" who had tried to "actually understand how it's affected everybody".

While acknowledging that some families would have preferred changes sooner, she added: "We're in a good place now".

Ellen Roome, who has campaigned for stronger online protections following the death of her son Jools, said she hoped the plans would include robust age verification measures and cover gaming platforms.

Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was murdered in 2023, said the announcement reflected years of work by campaigners and families, as well as support from parents who took part in consultations about online safety.

When could the ban start?

The government says it hopes to pass the required regulations before the end of the year.

If that timetable is met, the social media ban could begin from early next year, although further details on enforcement and age-verification requirements are expected in the coming months.

The plans would make the UK one of the countries taking the toughest approach to children's access to social media, with ministers also promising further updates on additional online safety measures later this summer.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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