British PM Keir Starmer announces ban on social media use for children under 16 in major online safety policy shift in the UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday, June 15, 2026, in London, that the United Kingdom will introduce a ban restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16, in a major policy statement delivered at Downing Street.
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The UK leader said the government will prohibit children below 16 from accessing social media, marking a significant shift in national digital regulation.
The decision forms part of wider efforts to strengthen child protection in online spaces across the United Kingdom.
Starmer made the announcement during a press conference, stating that authorities must act decisively to protect young people from growing risks linked to social media use, including harmful content and online pressures.
The policy is expected to place responsibility on technology companies to enforce stricter age verification systems. Failure to comply could attract regulatory penalties once the framework is fully established.
Reactions have been mixed, with child safety advocates welcoming the move as a necessary safeguard, while critics argue it raises concerns over enforcement practicality and data privacy implications.
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Government officials are expected to release further details on implementation and compliance measures in the coming weeks as consultations continue.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
