---
title: "UK bans social media for teenagers: reform details and public reaction"
description: "UK prepares to ban social media for children under 16: TikTok and Instagram under attack, but messengers will remain. 🇬🇧📱 Experts debate: is this protecting childhood or a mistake in approach?"
date: 2026-06-16T15:59:32.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/uk-bans-social-media-for-teenagers-reform-details-and-public-reaction
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# UK bans social media for teenagers: reform details and public reaction

![Teenagers in the UK engrossed in smartphones, against the backdrop of the social media ban reform for minors](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/16/velikobritaniya-zapreshchaet-sotsseti-detiam-do-16-let/velikobritaniya-zapreshchaet-sotsseti-detiam-do-16-let-1.webp)

The UK is launching a major reform aimed at protecting minors in the digital environment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially announced plans to ban access to social networks for children and teenagers under the age of 16. The statement was made on June 15 on the social network X, where the head of government called for returning childhood to children, noting that technology has excessively penetrated all areas of their lives.

### Bill details and implementation timeline

According to government information, the bill will be submitted to parliament for consideration before Christmas of this year. The new rules are expected to come into force in the spring of 2027. British authorities plan to use a model similar to the one already applied in Australia, where restrictions for children came into effect in December 2025. Under this model, responsibility for compliance with the rules is placed on platform owners.

### What is banned and what is not

Popular social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and X will be subject to restrictions. However, the government has made an important exception for messengers: messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Signal, are not planned to be banned. This distinction highlights the authorities' desire to preserve the ability to communicate while blocking algorithmic feeds and public posting.

Furthermore, in July, the authorities promise to present more detailed information on additional measures. The possibility of introducing restrictions on social media use at night and scrolling limits for persons under 18 is being considered.

### Regulation of artificial intelligence

Special attention is paid to safety in the field of artificial intelligence. Chatbots providing romantic services, simulating relationships or role-playing games will be available only to persons over 18. Similar restrictions will apply to any functions providing intimate content in AI-based chatbots for users under the age of majority.

### Reaction of human rights defenders and experts

The government's decision has caused a mixed reaction in society. Kerry Moscodjuri, Executive Director of Amnesty International UK, characterized the situation with the phrase: "The diagnosis is correct, but the treatment chosen is wrong". In her opinion, a direct ban risks portraying children as a problem, rather than forcing technology companies to change the systems that create risks.

Experts note that social networks for many young people are not only a source of danger but also a space for learning, communicating with friends, and finding support. Nevertheless, proponents of strict regulation insist on the need to fight business models based on surveillance and protect children's data, prioritizing safety over corporate profit.