What You Need To Know About Keir Starmer's Under-16 Social Media Ban

Children will be barred from using X, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram from spring 2027 onwards if passed in parliament.

Political Correspondent

Keir Starmer has unveiled a dramatic new policy to ban under-16s from using social media.

The prime minister said this was the “right choice” as certain platforms do not create a “happy” and safe environment for children.

The decision comes after years of campaigners calling for greater protections for children online amid fears the platforms are too addictive, expose youths to harmful and illegal content and make it easier for bullies to access children

Australia also introduced a comparable ban in December.

But the prime minister admitted that this will “not be easy” as some social media giants want people to think things are “unchangeable”.

“We have to resist that kind of learned helplessness,” he insisted, saying the government “can” and “will” change things, adding: “This is not something I do lightly.”

Here’s everything you need to know about what the prime minister described as a “big moment for the country”.

When Will The Ban Begin?

Starmer said the government intends to move quickly and hopes to “pass regulation before Christmas”.

That would mean the ban may come in around springtime 2027.

He said this Labour government would not be as slow as the Conservative government was with the Online Safety Act, which took eight years to implement.

That legislation made social media platforms responsible for keeping children safe from harmful and illegal content........

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