UK to ban social media access for under-16s

Keir Starmer said that restricting social media use for under-16s is the “right decision.”

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the government will impose a ban on social media access for all children under the age of 16, describing it as a necessary step to protect young people.

Starmer said that restricting social media use for under-16s is the “right decision,” adding that full enforcement of the ban is intended to safeguard children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The government had launched consultations last month to explore measures aimed at limiting social media use and related digital device exposure among minors. Officials said the goal is to reduce screen time on mobile phones and laptops and encourage a greater focus on education and physical health.