Social media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announces

Keir Starmer announced on June 15, 2026, that the United Kingdom will ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16. Starmer stated this measure is intended to bring "real change for our children and our future," citing concerns that social media contributes to unhappiness among children, facilitates bullying, and potentially harms their mental health. The proposed ban is expected to be more extensive than a similar pioneering ban implemented in Australia. The announcement comes amid growing public and governmental concern regarding the impact of online content on young people. This policy aims to address issues of online harassment and the psychological effects of social media use on minors, marking a significant intervention in digital access for a younger demographic.