UK bans social media for children under 16

The British government is banning access to social media for children under 16, joining just a few countries across the globe trying to protect kids online through a strict age-based restriction on certain applications and platforms.

The move, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer Monday, makes the United Kingdom the fifth nation to pursue an all-out ban on social media for young kids and teenagers. Australia became the first in the world to implement an under-16 ban late last year, followed by Indonesia, while countries including Brazil and Canada have introduced legislation for similar provisions.

Starmer said he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” citing his own experiences as a young adult and now as a parent of two.

“This is not something I do lightly,” Starmer said. “And I will not present it as cost-free… As if social media has brought no benefits to young people… Because clearly that is wrong. But Government is always about choices. ”

“Social media is making our children unhappy and unsafe, and as a parent, as much as a prime minister, I just can’t let that go on anymore,” he added in a separate social media video.

The ban will apply for........

© The Hill