Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s – The Guardian

Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands. In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban – such as gaming apps – will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed. There will also be restrictions for older teenagers up to the age of 18 that prevent “scrolling” late at night. Australia became the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025. Children are restricted from 10 major platforms – TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, X, Threads, Snapchat, Twitch and Kick – and UK government sources indicated that its ban on major platforms would apply to a similar range of apps. Starmer will announce the ban on Monday morning after months of pressure to act. “How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time. As a dad, I know every parent wants their child
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