UK to restrict social media access for under-16s under new online safety rules

Children in the UK are set to reclaim more of their childhoods after the government announced plans to ban social media access for under-16s, in a move aimed at replacing long hours of online scrolling with increased time for play and development.

The proposed framework, modelled on Australia’s approach, will target user-to-user platforms designed for social interaction and content sharing, along with the engagement-driven algorithms that underpin them.

Platforms expected to fall under the rules include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included.

According to the official government website, the measures go beyond a blanket age restriction, introducing tighter controls on features deemed harmful for under-16s.

These include limits on livestreaming and contact with strangers, with similar restrictions extended to some gaming and online services.

To ease the transition into adulthood online, the government also plans default safeguards for 16- and 17-year-olds, including restrictions on high-risk features.

Officials are also considering overnight curfews and interruptions to infinite scrolling for users under 18, with further details expected in July.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said parents are struggling to keep children safe in today’s digital environment, describing the proposals as a “line in the sand” after tech companies “failed” to act.

“Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever. I’ve heard first-hand from families crying out for change, and we will do right by them,” he said.

The rules will also strengthen age verification requirements to make it harder for children to bypass safeguards.

Ofcom is expected to carry out a rapid review of age assurance systems and receive additional funding to enforce the new obligations under the Online Safety Act.

The government also plans to restrict intimate functions in AI chatbots, requiring companion-style systems with romantic or sexual features to enforce an 18-plus limit, alongside broader bans on similar functionalities for under-18s.

The announcement follows a national consultation that drew more than 116,000 responses from parents, children and experts.

About 90 per cent of parents supported a social media ban for under-16s, while two-thirds of young people backed limits on certain platform features.

The government plans to introduce the first set of regulations using powers in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, with measures potentially taking effect by spring 2027.