Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces social media ban for under-16s

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that under-16s will be banned from major social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.

The government says the measures are part of a plan to keep young people safe online and help address late-night scrolling on phones.

Mr Starmer explained that: "A full ban is the right choice" and saying it was needed to protect the wellbeing of children.

The new rules follow a UK government consultation on social media restrictions, which took place at the start of the year, where children and adults were asked their opinions at what they think should happen.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that the ban would take effect in early 2027.

Announcing the news, Mr Starmer said that he was "not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children", and that is "why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen."

The government says the ban will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

However, some messaging services, such as WhatsApp, won't be part of the social media ban.

"Social media is making children unhappy," Mr Starmer said. It is "designed to be addictive" with features that "lock you in for hours," he added.

A ban would give children more time, security, and more freedom to grow up - as well as more opportunities, Mr Starmer said.

He says the government has listened to and learned from countries like Australia, where a similar ban has already been introduced.

The new regulations are expected to be debated in Parliament by the end of this year, with the ban coming into place in Spring 2027.

Across Newsround and the BBC, we have been hearing from young people who have been reacting to the announcement of the ban.

12-year-old Sofia from Sunderland, said that it was "mostly the communication apps" like Snapchat that she's "worried" about losing.

Asked how much of each day she spends on social media, she replied: "Probably most of it."

"I overall think that this ban isn't going to be very effective," 14-year-old George from Cumbria said.

He added that people his age should be able to make their own choices because "we're beyond people saying what we have to do".

14-year-old Adrian said "he's over the moon" about this ban, he said that he felt that teenagers were "getting their childhood back."

He said that he was excited to see "how life will be in the years to come."

However, 13-year old Riley has a different view.

He feels "quite angry" about the ban and that he didn't think it was "the best idea."

"I know a lot of people who really like using social media," Riley explained.

13-year-old Olivia said she doesn't mind the idea of a ban, adding that "it's not a bad thing, but it's not a good thing either."

"When I get home from school I get changed, sit down on the sofa and I just go on my phone for hours."