- LE NEWS

The United Kingdom has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, aiming to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive online use.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in a video message shared on X on Monday. He said the move came after extensive discussions with parents and growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and well-being. According to Starmer, many parents reported that their children were spending too much time on social media, often at the cost of sleep, family time and outdoor activities. Some also expressed concerns about addiction to online platforms.

The Prime Minister said the government reviewed available evidence and examined policies adopted by other countries before making the decision. Describing the ban as an important step, Starmer said the government was ready to face opposition from major technology companies but would prioritize the welfare of children. "Social media is making our children unhappy and unsafe. Our children deserve better. They deserve a happy, safe childhood in a stronger, fairer Britain," Starmer said.

The UK joins a growing number of countries taking action to regulate social media use among minors. Australia introduced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 last year, while France is considering legislation to ban social media use for children below the age of 15. Japan has also proposed stricter age-verification rules and greater responsibility for social media companies to improve online safety for children. Similar discussions are currently taking place in countries such as Spain and Denmark.

The new UK policy reflects increasing global concerns about the effects of social media on young users and the need for stronger safeguards to protect children online.