British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the country will move to ban social media for users under the age of 16, joining a wave of several countries considering the policy.

Mr Starmer disclosed this in a televised speech from 10 Downing Street on Monday, stating that his government is targeting passage of the legislation before December 2026, ahead of possible enforcement by 2027.

“We hope to pass regulation before Christmas,” the prime minister stated.

The government noted that the social media platforms expected to be banned under the policy include YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and X.

However, both WhatsApp and Signal would be exempted from the ban.

Defending the decision, Mr Starmer stated that social media is very addictive and makes children unhappy. He also noted that social media platforms expose children to bullying, arguing that the ban would give them more security.

“A full ban is the right choice… I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” Mr Starmer stated. “That is all any parent wants. They want to know that Britain will be better for their children, that they will get a fair chance.”

Additionally, Mr Starmer mentioned that his government plans to further expand the restrictions by pursuing “world-leading action” on gaming services and live-streaming platforms.

Australia became the first country to ban social media for individuals under 16 in December 2025 after the nation’s parliament updated the Online Safety Act 2021 in 2024 as part of a broader measure to make children safer.

Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have introduced legislation or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media, while other countries, such as Spain, Denmark, and South Korea, are studying the legislation for possible implementation.