London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced that the United Kingdom will introduce a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, describing the move as a necessary step to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive online activity.

Speaking at a press conference at 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the government would bring forward sweeping reforms to social media regulation aimed at safeguarding children’s wellbeing in the digital space.

“It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice,” Starmer said, acknowledging that implementing such a measure would not be easy but stressing that governments must challenge the influence of major technology companies when children’s welfare is at stake.

The announcement marks a significant escalation in Britain’s efforts to regulate online platforms. In recent years, authorities have pushed technology firms to strengthen age verification measures, modify recommendation algorithms, and introduce safeguards against the sharing of explicit images among minors.

The Prime Minister said growing evidence linking excessive social media use to mental health concerns among young people had influenced the government’s decision. He added that discussions with parents and the experience of other countries, particularly Australia, played an important role in shaping the policy.

Australia became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16 in December last year, restricting minors from platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Following Australia’s move, several countries have begun examining similar restrictions amid increasing concerns about children’s online safety and mental health.

As part of its review, the British government consulted teachers, parents and young people on possible measures, including a ban for under-16s, social media curfews, screen-time limits and restrictions on platform features considered addictive.

According to the government, more than 116,000 responses were received during the consultation process. Over 83 per cent of parents who participated said the risks associated with social media outweighed its benefits, while 90 per cent supported setting the minimum age for social media access at 16.

Despite strong backing from many parents and politicians, some psychologists and researchers have questioned whether a blanket ban would be effective, arguing that evidence of its long-term success remains limited. Young people themselves have expressed mixed views, with many acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of social media in their daily lives.

The proposed legislation is expected to spark intense debate in the coming months as Britain seeks to strike a balance between child protection, digital rights and the role of technology in modern society.