UK Under-16 Social media ban: How the public is responding

The UK government has announced plans to ban under-16s from using social media platforms, with the policy set to come into effect from early 2027.

Children would be barred from accessing various applications, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. 

The UK has joined Australia, which in 2025 became the first country to introduce a national ban on under-16s using online platforms and social media.  

Social media is making children unhappy

Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister

The driving force behind the policy comes from growing public pressure to keep children safe online and prevent their exposure to harmful content. It deems the negative impacts of social media significantly outweigh any benefits it may provide. 

In the press conference announcing the plans, Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that: “Social media is making children unhappy”, and that he is “Not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children”.

Public reactions have been widely positive. Following a government poll conducted in March, which received 116,000 responses from parents and young people, found over 90% of respondents supported a ban. Many parents expressed worries about the effects of unrestricted access to digital platforms on their children.

[It could] potentially save many children’s lives

Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey

Esther Ghey, the mother of 16-year-old Brianna, who was murdered in 2023 by two teenagers who consumed harmful digital content, has long campaigned for restrictions. She has welcomed the announcement, stating it could “potentially save so many children’s lives,” though she believes it must be accompanied by further measure to ensure its effective enforcement.

Early data from Australia’s ban suggests it has been largely unsuccessful in preventing young people from accessing the platforms. Critics have questioned how companies would enforce the policy and verify user’s ages without infringing their privacy and collecting personal data.

Tech industry giants have also criticised the practicality of a blanket ban, believing it will stop young people from benefitting from the educational and social benefits that platforms offer.

In a statement, YouTube cautioned against a total ban, arguing it may: “push kids out of such curated, supervised, beneficial experiences and towards anonymous, less-safe services.”

While the lack of regulation means that harmful content is accessible, platforms provide free access to educational resources and peer communities which many young people rely on.

Despite there being broad agreement that platforms must be subject to greater regulation, the effectivity of a total ban and its practical implementations are fiercely contested.