Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
THE United Kingdom (UK) government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms by the spring of 2027, in what Prime Minister Keir Starmer says is a move aimed at protecting young people online.
The proposal has sparked political debate and drawn mixed reactions from parents, technology experts, and young people.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended plans to introduce a full social media ban for children under the age of 16, saying the measure is necessary to protect young people from online harm.
In a media briefing in London, Starmer said the proposal was informed by concerns shared by parents across the country.
“It is clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. I come to it as a parent myself. I know the fears that we all feel when we are thinking about the issue. All I have ever wanted for my own children is for them to be happy and for them to be safe,” he said.
Reports say the announcement comes ahead of a crucial parliamentary by-election and amid growing speculation about Starmer’s political future, with some critics suggesting the move is aimed at strengthening his legacy.
Responding to questions over the timing of the announcement, Starmer rejected claims that the policy is politically motivated.
“That is a huge issue for the country. It is not about any one individual. It is something people have been concerned about and campaigning about for years,” Keir Starmer said.
Under the proposed regulations, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, and X would be inaccessible to children under the age of 16, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal would be exempt.
The plans have, however, generated concern among some young people who argue that social media plays a central role in communication, education, and social interaction.
“They probably do not get that it is the way we socialise. It is the way we make plans, meet people, and entertain ourselves,” college student, Monica Aguilera said.
“I think politicians do not understand how important social media is for teenagers. It is how they communicate, interact, and learn about the world,” college student Carles Bruguera said.
Supporters of the proposal, including some bereaved parents, say stricter controls are needed to protect children from harmful online content and dangerous internet challenges.
Australia has already effected the move while Spain is also deliberating the social media ban for under 16s.
