British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce plans to restrict access to certain “harmful” online platforms for children under the age of 16 while allowing access to safer forms of social media. According to reports, the move follows consultations with bereaved parents and a review of Australia’s recent legislation, which introduced a social media ban for under-16s in December 2025. A Downing Street source said the prime minister is prepared to challenge major technology companies in an effort to better protect young people online.
Although a formal ban is not expected to be introduced immediately, the government may soon unveil measures aimed at preventing children from creating sexualized images that could be exploited for sextortion. Earlier this year, Britain launched a consultation on children’s access to social media, examining proposals such as usage curfews, time limits, and restrictions on addictive platform features amid growing concerns over online safety and mental health.
The United Kingdom joins several European nations considering stricter regulations on children’s social media use. France, Denmark, and Poland are reviewing similar measures, while Greece has announced plans to prohibit social media access for children under 15 from January 2027. Starmer is expected to emphasize the positive potential of technology while outlining how the government intends to safeguard young users under Britain’s existing online safety framework.
