Key facts
- Under-16s will be banned from major social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Older teenagers up to 18 will face restrictions, including a ban on late-night scrolling after 8:30 p.m.
- Gaming apps and other online products not covered by the ban will have new restrictions, such as removing stranger chat options.
- Under-18s will be prohibited from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
- The proposed measures aim to protect young people from harmful addictive content and contact with strangers.
- A government consultation showed strong parental support for a minimum age of 16 for social media access.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce sweeping restrictions on social media use for minors, including a ban for under-16s on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X. These measures, described as “Australia plus”, aim to shield young people from harmful addictive content and unwanted contact.
Beyond the under-16 ban, older teenagers up to the age of 18 will face restrictions on late-night scrolling after 8:30 p.m. Online products not covered by the primary ban, like gaming apps, will also see new limitations, such as the removal of stranger chat options. Furthermore, under-18s will be prohibited from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
Government sources emphasized that these are not half measures, with the protection of teenagers from addictive content and strangers being the primary drivers. Enforcement may require new legislation, although existing powers under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act could provide some flexibility.
Australia has already implemented similar restrictions, banning under-16s from 10 major platforms. UK government officials indicated that the proposed bans would apply to a comparable range of apps. A recent government consultation revealed significant parental backing for a minimum age of 16, with a large majority believing such measures would enhance child safety online.