British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a sweeping ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, marking one of the toughest online safety measures introduced anywhere in the world.

The ban will apply to major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and YouTube, while new restrictions will also target gaming and livestreaming services that allow young users to interact with strangers online.

Starmer said the move is aimed at protecting children from harmful content, online exploitation and the mental health risks associated with excessive social media use. According to him, the policy will make children safer, happier and give them more freedom to grow up without the pressures of the digital world.

The UK government plans to begin implementing the measures immediately, with full regulations expected by the end of the year and the ban likely to take effect next spring.

The decision follows similar actions in countries such as Australia, Spain, France and Portugal, which have also moved to restrict children’s access to social media amid growing concerns about online safety and wellbeing.

While many parents and lawmakers support the proposal, some researchers and psychologists argue that there is limited evidence showing that outright bans are the most effective solution.