The United Kingdom is set to significantly change how young people use the internet. Starting June 15, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a plan to stop children under 16 from using social media. This new rule, which will officially begin in Spring 2027, is a big step in managing digital life for young people.
Popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, and X will be blocked for those under 16. However, private messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will still be allowed. This means young people can still talk privately with friends and family online.
The public largely supports this change. A survey showed that about 116,000 people responded, with most agreeing with the ban. Nine out of ten parents supported the age limit, believing that the bad effects of social media are worse than any good ones. Interestingly, about two-thirds of young people surveyed also agreed that children under 16 should have limits on some online platforms.
The UK is not alone in this. Australia started a similar ban in December 2025, and Indonesia and Malaysia have also introduced rules for minors. Many other countries, including France, Spain, South Korea, and Brazil, are considering similar measures.
Beyond just social media, the UK's rules will also prevent minors from using live streaming features and talking to strangers on video games. AI programs that act as romantic partners will be restricted to adults aged 18 and over. The government is also thinking about banning late-night access and infinite scrolling for users under 18.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, will oversee these changes. They are looking into ways to check ages accurately. Technology companies that do not follow the rules could be fined up to 10 percent of their global annual income.
To help young people, the government is also investing over £3 billion in youth programs and facilities. This aims to give them more real-world activities to do instead of spending time online.