UK to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 16 Starting Early 2027

The UK government announced a ban on social media use by children under 16 that will take effect in early 2027. The prohibition applies to Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. YouTube Kids will remain available to under-16s.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be covered by the ban. Roblox will stay accessible, but its chat function will be restricted. The rules will restrict livestreaming and stranger contact features across a wider range of services, including gaming sites.

For under-17s, livestreaming and chat with strangers will be restricted by default. The government is considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, with further detail to be set out in July 2026. AI romantic companion chatbots will have to enforce a minimum age of 18.

AI chatbots will have to restrict intimate functionalities for under-18s. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government plans to pass regulations before Christmas 2026. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said further detail on enforcement will be provided in July 2026.

The public consultation received more than 116,000 responses. Ofcom has been asked to carry out a rapid study on age verification methods. Australia introduced a social media ban for children in December 2025.

More than six months later, 70% of parents reported their children were still on the platforms, according to Australia's internet regulator. According to the OECD, 25 countries have social media age restrictions in force, enacted, or under active consideration. Most social media platforms already require users to be over 13 to create an account.