14 jun 2026
Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s
Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work? Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands. In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms.
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The ban would apply to a range of social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
techcrunchChildren under 16 will be banned from using social media in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday, saying such platforms were making youngsters "unhappy". The ban will "include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X" but not messaging services such as WhatsApp, the government said.
france 24The prime minister announced that under-16s will be banned from social media by spring 2027.
bbc news
coverage · 11 outlets
- 15:39the guardian
Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work?
- 20:17techcrunch
UK may ban social media for children under 16
- 04:16bbc news
The Papers: 'Australia plus' social media ban and 'Russian incursion'
- 07:48the guardian
Social media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announces
- 07:50politico europe
UK confirms social media ban for under-16s
- 08:16the guardian
Starmer says he hopes social media ban for under-16s will come into force next spring - UK politics live
- 08:19the verge
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