The U.K. will follow Australia’s lead in banning social media for the under-16 set in a move to “give kids their childhood back.”
The new rule would block social-media platforms from offering services to kids under 16. It is expected to be brought to Parliament before Christmas, with protections expected to come into force in the spring of next year. A statement from the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and PM Keir Starmer said the move sets a new normal for future generations, “kickstarting a cultural shift and driving forward the government’s fight to give every child the best start in life.:
The ban will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The rules would also block live-streaming and stranger communication with children for under-16s, extending the ban to online gaming sites. The Starmer government is also exploring overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18.
“Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever,” Starmer said. I’ve heard firsthand from families crying out for change, and we will do right by them. That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back. This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents, and set a new normal for future generations.”
Kendall added, Today we take a bold and significant step towards creating a safer, healthier life online for our children and future generations. Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act. That is why we are taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents’ hands.”
Per the release announcing the moves, parents are overwhelmingly supportive of social media bans.
