Britain is the latest country to ban social media accounts for children under the age of 16, joining a global effort to tighten online security protections. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Monday during a press conference at Downing Street.
Starmer said he would introduce major changes to social media regulations in Britain to protect the safety of children when they are online.
“It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice,” he said.
Britain has been pushing for tight regulations of tech companies in recent years, requiring them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithm, and prevent children from circulating nude images on mobile phones.
Starmer cited evidence from Australia, which was the first country to impose the under-16 ban, and also talked to parents before making the announcement.
The Labour leader consulted teachers, parents, and the youth on new restrictions, including a potential ban for children under 16, along with app time limits and restrictions on features designed to encourage screen time.
The government received responses from over 116,000 parents, industry, and young people. More than 83% of parents said risks from social media exceeded the benefits, while 90% supported the proposal for a minimum age of 16 to access social media platforms.
However, some psychologists and researchers have come forward, arguing that there was no proof the ban would work. A group of children in London also told Reuters they had a complicated relationship with the technology.
Global movement to regulate social media platforms
Australia was the first country to impose a ban on social media for children under 16, revoking their access to platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook in December.
Other countries later followed suit including Brazil and Indonesia. Canada also introduced a legislation last week, potentially banning children under 16 from having social media accounts unless companies prove that they can make their platforms safe.
France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are also studying or developing similar approaches to ensure online safety of children.
