Keir Starmer will announce a sweeping ban on under-16s using major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X on Monday, in what government sources are calling an “Australia plus” approach – far tougher than previously briefed.
The prime minister is expected to say that teenagers will be blocked from all main social platforms, while online products not covered by the ban, including gaming apps, will face new restrictions such as removing the option to chat to strangers. Older teenagers up to the age of 18 will also be prevented from “scrolling” late at night, and under-18s will be banned from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
“Starmer to announce under-16 social media ban covering TikTok, Instagram and X, with restrictions on gaming apps and late-night scrolling.”
“How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time. As a dad, I know every parent wants their child to grow up safe and happy,” Starmer will say. “This is a choice about whose side we’re on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn’t working. People rightly expect action, and this government will always stand up for parents and put children first.”
The move follows Australia becoming the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025, covering ten platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Twitch and Kick. UK government sources indicated that the British ban would apply to a similar range of apps.
Government sources said protecting teenagers from harmful addictive content – such as infinite scrolling – and from contact with strangers were the key drivers of the hardline measures. “There are no half measures here,” one source said.
Starmer will announce the ban after months of pressure to act. The government may need to legislate to enforce the restrictions and adapt to new technology, though the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act already grants ministers some powers. The decision is likely to draw criticism from some MPs and campaigners.