UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a UK social media ban for children under 16 on Monday, June 15, 2026, during a Downing Street press conference in London.
Starmer said social media was making children unhappy, enabling bullying and harassment, and potentially harming their mental health.
The prime minister called the move a “big step” and said he would not compromise on children’s safety and happiness.
Campaigners who supported tighter restrictions attended the press conference. Starmer thanked parents who had pushed for stronger action after losing their children.
After the briefing, Starmer shared a video on X, formerly Twitter. He said the government was banning social media access for under-16s and “giving children their childhoods back.”
Read: Canada Social Media Ban Targets Under-16 Users
The restrictions will cover major social media platforms. The plan will also place separate limits on online products outside the ban, including gaming apps.
Those gaming-related measures include removing the option for children to chat with strangers.
The UK move goes beyond Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions, which were introduced in December last year.
