UK Plans to Ban TikTok, YouTube, Twitch and Other Social Platforms for Children Under 16

Starting in spring 2027, children under the age of 16 in the United Kingdom could be completely barred from using social media, YouTube, and streaming platforms, according to a proposed law that is expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas 2026. If approved, the restrictions would take effect the following year.

The proposed ban would cover major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and potentially Twitch.

The move comes in response to growing concerns over cyberbullying, harmful online content, and the negative impact social media can have on young people's mental health. Government officials argue that tech companies have failed to adequately protect minors, making state intervention necessary. According to lawmakers, the new rules are intended to reshape how an entire generation grows up online.

The restrictions would extend beyond social media. Children under 16 would also be prohibited from livestreaming on any platform and from communicating with strangers through online services, including gaming platforms. For users aged 16 and 17, these features would be disabled by default, allowing for a more gradual transition rather than unlocking everything immediately upon turning 16.

The government also plans to block access to AI chatbots with romantic or intimate features for anyone under the age of 18. In addition, officials are discussing the introduction of nighttime digital curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for users under 18. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal would remain unaffected, while educational services, e-commerce platforms, and music streaming services would continue to be accessible.

To enforce the new rules, the UK plans to use modern age-verification technologies, including facial and voice recognition as well as document checks. Oversight and implementation of the system would fall under Ofcom, the country's communications regulator.

More than 116,000 people participated in the public consultation process, with 90% of parents reportedly supporting restrictions for children under 16. However, major tech companies including Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat have criticized the proposal. They argue that such measures could push teenagers toward less regulated and potentially less safe platforms that lack built-in protections and parental controls.

Experts have also warned that overly strict restrictions may encourage young users to seek workarounds and migrate to anonymous websites and services.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the government's position clear:

The UK government has drawn inspiration from Australia's social media restrictions but intends to go even further by introducing additional measures aimed at strengthening online protections for teenagers.

Whether these sweeping changes will actually make young people safer online—or simply drive them toward less regulated corners of the internet—remains to be seen.

Do you think a complete ban on social media and streaming platforms for under-16s will make children safer online, or will teenagers simply move to less regulated platforms?