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.
We are banning social media access for under 16s.
These days kids must find their feet in a world where technology intrudes into every area of their life.
I just can’t let that go on anymore. So we’re giving children their childhoods back. pic.twitter.com/jn7iQrcwk8
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2026
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.
More read, Spain to ban social media use for children under 16
Earlier, Spain had decided to impose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of stricter measures to protect minors online.
According to international media reports, the Spanish government is introducing tough new regulations that will require social media platforms to implement mandatory age-verification systems.
The Spanish Prime Minister said the new measures aim to safeguard children from the risks associated with social media, including harmful content and negative impacts on mental health.
He also urged other European countries to adopt similar policies to ensure the protection of minors across the region.
The Prime Minister revealed that Spain has joined the “Coalition for Digital Wellbeing” alongside five other countries to better coordinate cross-border digital regulations.
Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 in December.
