Millions of children in the UK will be forced off social media from spring 2027, after the government confirmed it will ban under-16s from platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X. Announcing the plans, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen.”
The ban – which the government hopes to pass before Christmas – is intended to protect children from harmful content, addictive algorithms, online predators and cyberbullying. Additional restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds, including limits on infinite scroll and curfews, are expected next month. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be banned, nor will online gaming platform Roblox, though certain features like livestreaming and stranger contact will be restricted for under-16s. YouTube Kids is also exempt.
“UK to ban under-16s from social media from spring 2027, sparking debate over child safety vs creative opportunity.”
But the policy has angered some young creators. Ziame Stewart, a 15-year-old singer and dancer who posts daily covers and original music, said he worries the ban could “bury a generation of creative talent”. He points to stars like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, and his own inspiration, British rising star Sekou, who were discovered on social media as teenagers. “Imagine if this ban was put through ages ago – we wouldn’t have any of this music,” he told the BBC. “I would not be doing what I’m doing now.”
The government said over-16s may have to verify their ages to continue using social media, though many adults would not need new checks because their accounts already have a credit card linked or an email address verified. Tech companies including Meta, Snapchat and YouTube warned that a blanket ban could push children into “unsafe online environments”. Snapchat said it disagreed with a full ban, while Meta argued it risks “isolating teens from online communities and driving them to unregulated alternatives”. YouTube called itself “a vital resource” and said blanket bans “push kids out of curated, supervised experiences”. TikTok said it would examine the government’s measures and look forward to collaborating.
Despite the backlash, campaigners welcomed the move. Joe Ryrie, co-founder of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign group, said: “Millions of children will now get a few more years to grow up before entering online environments that were never designed with their wellbeing in mind.” Starmer, facing a series of political crises, has staked his authority on the ban – a gamble that may define his legacy.