British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that access to social networks for individuals under 16 will be banned. He stated that the measure aims to protect children from the harmful effects of the online environment.
In a speech delivered on Monday at Downing Street, Starmer declared that social networks make children unhappier, facilitate abuse and harassment from aggressors, and are „designed to create addiction,” as reported by BBC.
According to the Prime Minister, the ban will provide children with more time, safety, and freedom to grow and develop, as well as more opportunities.
- Turkey has banned social networks for individuals under 15
- Greece prohibits access for children under 15 to social networks
"This is what every parent wants. They want to know that the UK will be a better place for their children and that they will have a fair chance in life," Starmer stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government "is not willing to compromise" when it comes to the safety and happiness of children and specified that this commitment will be reflected both in the regulation and in the effective enforcement of the ban. He added that British authorities have drawn inspiration from the experiences of states like Australia, where a similar measure has already been implemented.
Additionally, the British government intends to adopt additional measures, described by Starmer as "world-leading," targeting gaming services and live streaming platforms.
If the project is approved by Parliament, the ban on access to social networks for children under 16 is expected to come into effect by spring 2027.
At the same time, the Children's Commissioner for England (who represents children's interests nationally in the UK on general issues), Dame Rachel de Souza, believes that the measure should be expanded to apply to all minors up to the age of 18.
De Souza welcomed the Government's announcement, which she described as "positive," but cautioned that the effectiveness of the measures depends on how they will be implemented and adhered to. She stated that she will closely monitor the implementation of the new rules.
According to her, public debate should focus less on banning children's access and more on holding companies accountable that cannot demonstrate that their services protect the safety and well-being of minors.
The Commissioner argued that any online service using functionalities deemed harmful – including gaming platforms and other digital services – should be inaccessible to individuals under 18, except in cases where operators can demonstrate that their services are safe.