The government of the United Kingdom has disclosed its intention to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms starting in early 2027. This initiative is being described by officials as one of the most stringent online child protection measures globally.
This decision is part of a comprehensive digital safety strategy aimed at minimizing children’s exposure to harmful content, online predators, addictive algorithms, and detrimental digital habits.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed this measure, asserting that keeping children away from social media is “the best way to ensure their safety online.”
Platforms to Be Restricted
As per the UK government, this ban will affect several major social media platforms frequently used by teenagers, including:
* TikTok
* Instagram
* Facebook
* Snapchat
* X (formerly Twitter)
Additionally, the government has confirmed that YouTube will be included in the restrictions for those under 16. However, YouTube Kids — the child-oriented version of the platform — will remain available.
Officials have clarified that the ban will target online platforms “whose purpose is to facilitate social interaction and which allow users to post material.”
Although a comprehensive list of affected services has not yet been disclosed, the policy is anticipated to encompass most mainstream social media networks.
Restrictions on Gaming Platforms
The government intends to surpass the measures adopted by other countries by extending protections to online gaming services that include social interaction features.
This implies that certain functionalities on gaming platforms used by children — particularly live streaming and communication with strangers — will be subject to stricter controls.
The widely-used gaming platform Roblox, popular among children aged eight to twelve in the UK, will not face an outright ban. Nonetheless, features such as chat functionalities and interactions with unfamiliar users are expected to be restricted.
Messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal are not anticipated to fall under the proposed social media ban.
New Regulations for Under-18s
Beyond the under-16 restrictions, the UK government is also planning additional safety measures for teenagers under 18.
Authorities have announced that so-called “high-risk” functions — including live streaming and chatting with strangers — will be automatically restricted for users under 17.
Officials have stated that this approach is intended to prevent what they describe as a “cliff-edge at 16,” where users suddenly gain unrestricted access to potentially harmful online features.
The government is also considering the introduction of:
* Overnight social media curfews for under-18s
* Mandatory breaks from infinite scrolling features
* New limitations on addictive algorithmic engagement
Further details on these proposals are expected to be unveiled in July.
AI Companion Chatbots to Face New Age Restrictions
The crackdown will also extend to artificial intelligence services.
AI “romantic companion” chatbots — designed to simulate romantic or sexual relationships with users — will be required to enforce a minimum age limit of 18.
The government has further stated that AI chatbots, in general, will need to disable intimate or emotionally manipulative functionalities for users under 18.
These measures come amid growing concerns among child psychologists, educators, and online safety campaigners about the mental health impact of social media use among children and teenagers.
Global Debate on Children and Social Media
The UK joins an increasing number of countries reconsidering children’s access to social media in light of concerns over screen addiction, cyberbullying, online exploitation, harmful content, and declining mental well-being.
Most major social media companies already require users to be at least 13 years old to create accounts. However, governments are increasingly arguing that age limits are inadequately enforced and fail to sufficiently protect minors.
The UK government asserts that its new measures are designed to create a safer digital environment while balancing children’s access to educational and age-appropriate online content.
