UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a ban on children accessing social media platforms for those under the age of 16 as part of wider online safety reforms. Multiple outlets report that Starmer makes the announcement from a Downing Street setting and frames the move as a protection measure for children, while acknowledging the change is not “cost free.” Several sources say the restriction is set to begin in the early part of next year, though details on implementation timing are described slightly differently across coverage.

Reporting also notes that the proposal follows international moves, with at least one outlet comparing the policy to Australia’s approach. Another source highlights potential diplomatic or legal concerns, including warnings from the United States that any regulation should be narrow and not infringe free-speech protections. Additional coverage specifies that the ban would affect major platforms commonly used by young people, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Overall, the announcement centers on limiting under-16s’ access to social media apps in the UK, with the government presenting it as a necessary step to address risks to children online.