Social media access in the UK is set to be banned for under-16s as part of an online safety drive that includes a host of other restrictions.
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On Monday, Londoners praised the measures that are planned to block children from access to Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook, as well as livestreaming and communication on gaming platforms.
The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the changes were a ‘line in the sand’ for tech companies that had failed to keep children safe.
A government consultation sought views on restrictions, curfews, app time limits and curbs on what it has described as addictive design features. Nine out of 10 parents who responded supported a ban, and two-thirds of young people agreed that children under 16 should be blocked from using at least some platforms.
YouTube, which is owned by Google, said the policy could push children towards unsafe platforms – a common point made by ban opponents.
A spokesperson said: ‘YouTube is a vital resource for young people, educators and parents. Blanket bans push kids out of such curated, supervised, beneficial experiences and towards anonymous, less safe services’
Social media firms hit back as Starmer announces ban for under-16s in UK ► https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/15/social-media-ban-uk-under-16-starmer
Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work? ► https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/14/what-is-uk-introducing-australia-plus-social-media-ban-how-will-it-work
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