The kids aren’t all right – at least, according to politicians.

In a shocking move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that the country plans on banning social media for children under 16. The regulations will be introduced in Parliament by the end of this year, with a ban expected to be underway by next spring.

“I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen,” Starmer said.

The United Kingdom follows the lead of Australia, which banned social media for anyone under 16 in 2025. In America, several states, including New York, have banned or restricted social media use for minors.

Unfortunately, Starmer could be opening up a plethora of new concerns for parents and children without realizing it, and there's reason to worry that the United States will find its own ways to regulate teens online. When we allow octogenarian lawmakers with little understanding of the world online ‒ and a terrible track record of regulating these companies ‒ do all the talking, we fail to see the benefits that come with social media.

Social media gave me community I couldn't have otherwise found

Last year, I wrote that social media bans for minors were a good thing, citing my own........

© USA TODAY