The United Kingdom has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measure aims to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive online activity.

The ban will apply to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, and YouTube. It will also cover some gaming and livestreaming services. Authorities will place responsibility on the platforms to enforce the rules rather than on young users.

Starmer said the government carefully reviewed evidence before making the decision. He pointed to concerns about social media addiction, mental health issues, reduced family time, and the impact of endless scrolling on children’s well-being. He said protecting children must take priority, even though social media can offer benefits.

The United Kingdom becomes one of a small number of countries introducing strict age-based social media restrictions. Australia led the way with a similar ban, while other countries, including Brazil and Canada, have explored comparable measures.

The announcement follows strong public support during a consultation period. Government officials said more than 90 percent of respondents backed restrictions for children under 16. Starmer acknowledged that technology companies may oppose the policy but said the government is prepared to defend the decision.

The move also comes after concerns raised by the United States, which encouraged parental controls and privacy tools instead of a formal ban. Despite this, Starmer said the United Kingdom would act based on what it believes is best for children’s safety and happiness.