Starmer confirms social media ban for under-16s, saying this is a ‘big moment for our country’ – UK politics live

Keir Starmer confirmed a social media ban for individuals under 16 in the UK on June 15, 2026, describing it as a "big moment for our country." Starmer defended the comprehensive ban, stating that social media platforms are contributing to unhappiness and unsafety among children. He acknowledged that some teenagers might circumvent these restrictions, but argued that this does not invalidate the rules, drawing a parallel to other laws that teenagers may also find ways to bypass. Starmer pushed back against the notion that social media's current state is immutable, asserting that technology companies sometimes promote this idea to suggest it is unchangeable. He emphasized that society possesses agency and the ability to enact change, which his government intends to do regarding social media's impact on young people. The prime minister's stance indicates a proactive approach to regulating online platforms and protecting minors from potential harms associated with their use.