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UK Government to Block Social Media Access for Under-16s
The government announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from using major social media platforms. The measure is scheduled to take effect by early next year and will also restrict certain gaming features and AI chatbots.
Jun 15, 4:32 AM·1m read4 sources
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The government announced that children under 16 will be blocked from accessing major social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not included in the restriction. Officials said the policy aims to limit children's exposure to harassment, abuse, and harmful content.
Gaming sites will face limits on livestreaming and stranger communication for users under 16. AI chatbots designed to simulate romantic or sexual interactions will require users to be at least 18. The government is also considering overnight curfews and pauses in infinite scrolling for users under 18. Officials stated the social media ban is expected to begin by early next year.
The government consulted with Australian authorities after Australia implemented a similar ban in December 2025. Under that policy, companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million for serious or repeated violations. Parents who attribute their children's deaths to social media use welcomed the announcement.
One parent described the decision as a change in the right direction while noting implementation details remain to be determined.
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