Britain is poised to introduce some of its toughest digital safety measures yet, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to announce new restrictions on social media use by children under 16 in an effort to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The proposals, due to be unveiled on Monday, could include barring children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms while imposing additional safeguards on online services that remain available to younger users. The measures are expected to target features considered excessively addictive and limit interactions that expose children to online risks.
The planned reforms represent the latest step in Britain’s increasingly assertive regulation of technology companies. In recent years, the government has required or encouraged digital platforms to strengthen age verification systems, adjust recommendation algorithms, and implement safeguards preventing children from sharing nude images captured on mobile devices.
Growing public concern over excessive screen time and the psychological effects of social media has prompted the government to consider more far-reaching action. Officials have reviewed evidence from other countries, including Australia, which became the first nation to prohibit social media access for children under 16 last year.
Starmer said the government had listened to parents and recognized widespread demands for stronger protections.
“That’s why we will call time on a system that’s failing our kids and take bold action to give every child the best possible start in life,” the prime minister said ahead of Monday’s announcement.
According to reports, the proposals would prohibit children under 16 from using leading social media platforms, while services not covered by the outright ban, including gaming applications, would face stricter rules. Those restrictions could include preventing minors from communicating with strangers and limiting potentially harmful online interactions.
Australia’s legislation, introduced in December, blocked children under 16 from accessing platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Since then, several governments have begun examining similar policies amid increasing concern about children’s online safety and mental health.
Before finalizing its proposals, the British government consulted teachers, parents, industry representatives and young people on a range of possible measures. Options included a minimum age requirement of 16, mandatory curfews for online activity, limits on app usage and restrictions on design features that encourage prolonged engagement.
The consultation received more than 116,000 responses. According to government figures, more than 83% of participating parents believed the risks associated with social media outweighed its benefits, while 90% supported establishing 16 as the minimum age for accessing social media platforms.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Australia’s experience suggested that even if some children managed to bypass restrictions, the policy could fundamentally change expectations surrounding social media use among younger age groups.
“It changes the presumption, so that at the age of eight, nine, 10, 11, children aren’t presuming that they’re going to be in these spaces because all of their friends are, and that quite significantly changes the culture,” Nandy said during an interview with BBC.
Although the proposed restrictions have received broad backing from many parents and lawmakers, they have also sparked debate among researchers and child psychologists. Some experts argue there is insufficient evidence that outright bans alone improve children’s mental health, while others contend that education and parental involvement remain equally important.
Interviews conducted with schoolchildren in London also revealed mixed opinions, with many acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of social media in their daily lives. As Britain prepares to unveil its latest reforms, the debate over how best to balance children’s online freedom with stronger digital protections is expected to continue.
