15.06.2026 15:31
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a complete ban on social media use for those under 16, aiming to protect children from digital dangers. The decision, planned to take effect in early 2027, will cover giants like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Growing global concerns about the negative effects of technology and social media platforms on children are pushing countries to take concrete steps. The UK has joined the 'social media restrictions for children' movement, led by Australia and also involving Turkey, with a strict regulation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the new law, planned to be passed in parliament before Christmas, will prevent children under the age of 16 from using social media, and the ban will effectively come into force in early 2027.
PRIME MINISTER STARMER: I MADE THIS DECISION AS A PARENT
Describing this step as the best way to protect children online and 'the right step for his country', Prime Minister Starmer also struck an emotional tone in his statements. Emphasizing that he made the decision with a parental feeling, Starmer said, 'The only thing I deeply wish for my own children is for them to be happy and safe. I think that is what every parent wants.'
WHICH PLATFORMS WILL THE BAN COVER?
According to government officials' statements, although the full list has not yet been published, the ban will focus on platforms that 'provide social interaction and allow content sharing'. The main giants affected by the regulation are:
- Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter)
- TikTok and Snapchat
- YouTube
ONLINE GAMING PLATFORMS WHERE CHILDREN CAN LIVE STREAM
On the other hand, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, whose sole purpose is communication, are planned to be excluded from the scope of the ban. Additionally, for users under 17, features for communicating with strangers will be kept off by default; for those under 18, options such as 'night usage restrictions' and 'mandatory breaks from infinite scrolling' will be on the table.
AGE LIMIT OF 18 FOR AI CHATBOTS TOO
The new regulation targets not only classic social media but also the popular recent technology, artificial intelligence. The minimum age limit for AI-powered 'romantic companion' chatbots designed for sexual simulation or role-playing with users will be raised to 18.
HOW WILL THE BAN BE ENFORCED? VPN CONCERN ON THE TABLE
To ensure the regulation does not remain on paper, 'highly effective age verification systems' will be used. Companies will have to implement technologies such as facial scanning or requesting official identification documents. However, technology experts express concerns that these barriers can be bypassed using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The government states that they will learn from the experiences of Australia, which faced similar issues.
WHAT DO FAMILIES SAY? FIRST REACTION FROM YOUTUBE
The ban received strong support from families who lost their children to cyberbullying or harmful online content. Lisa Kenevan, who lost her 13-year-old son Isaac, stated that they wished the decision had been made earlier, while Mariano Janin, who lost his daughter Mia due to cyberbullying, said, 'It's a step in the right direction. It won't be easy, but it will be possible.'
The first official reaction from the tech world came from YouTube. The platform warned that a comprehensive ban could push children away from 'regulated and safe' services and direct them to anonymous and much more dangerous dark platforms.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN TURKEY AND THE WORLD?
According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), social media age restrictions are actively being discussed or implemented in more than 25 countries.
- Australia: Became the first country to impose a ban on under-16s. The law came into effect last December.
- Turkey: Implemented similar restrictions on social media access for children under 15 as of last May.
- Europe: Spain and Portugal are expected to implement similar bans this year, while France, Denmark (with a 15-year age limit), Norway, and Italy are also working on similar bills.