Speaking at Downing Street, Starmer said the government was determined to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing and development, arguing that existing safeguards have failed to keep pace with the digital environment.

Under the proposals, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and other mainstream social media networks would be prohibited from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts. The measures are expected to come into force next spring, subject to legislative approval and regulatory implementation.

The Prime Minister said the decision was influenced by concerns raised by parents, educators and child safety experts, as well as his own experience as a parent.

Alongside the social media restrictions, the government signalled that further measures could be introduced to address online risks linked to gaming platforms and communication tools that allow unknown adults to contact children.

Supporters of the proposal argue that reducing children’s exposure to social media could help tackle issues including cyberbullying, online harassment, harmful content and excessive screen time.

The announcement has generated mixed political reactions.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the move, noting that her party had previously called for stronger protections for children online. However, she criticised the government on other policy areas, including defence spending.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage questioned whether the restrictions would be fully effective, pointing to the widespread availability of virtual private networks (VPNs), which can be used to bypass online age restrictions.

The government has yet to publish the full details of how the ban would operate in practice, including the age-verification systems platforms that would be required to use and how compliance would be enforced.

If implemented, the UK would become one of the most restrictive countries in Europe regarding young people’s access to social media, joining a growing international debate over the role of technology companies in protecting children online.

Officials say further guidance and legislation will be released in the coming months as the government develops the framework for the new rules.