The UK government under Keir Starmer is moving toward banning or restricting under-16s from "high-risk" social media apps and introducing overnight usage limits (a digital curfew) for 16 and 17-year-olds. The plans also include restricting access to certain AI chatbots and some features on gaming apps, with measures expected to be introduced by the end of 2026.
United Kingdom · Online Child Safety
UK Weighs Banning Under-16s From High-Risk Social Media Apps
Ministers prepare a sweeping package: a full ban for children under 16, nightly curfews and daily time limits for 16–17s, and new curbs on AI chatbots and gaming features — framed as a response to a child mental-health "public health emergency."
116,211
responses to the national consultation
<16
age fully banned from high-risk apps
4
pilot scenarios trialled before deciding
Pilot scenarios compared
Daily access tested across four models for affected age groups.
Blanket ban
One-hour cap
Nightly curfew
No limit
Who faces what
Under-16s
Full ban on access to high-risk apps
16–17s
Nightly curfews and daily usage limits
"Safer" apps
No disappearing messages, no adult-child chats, livestreaming limits
AI chatbots
Expanded safety scope, age restrictions, feature curbs, time limits
Gaming
Disabling private messaging and harmful recommendation features
Support
Many parents back a ban — hopes for better sleep, less dependence
Police urge disabling stranger contact and harmful-content features
Mental Health Foundation proposes even stricter safety rules
Concerns
"Cliff edge" as limits lift suddenly at 16
Easy circumvention via VPNs and age spoofing
Legal risk in treating platforms differently; impact on learning and social ties
What happens next
Consultation analysis
Summer 2026
→
PM announcement / decision
Based on consultation
→
First measures introduced
By end of 2026
Enforcement would rely on highly effective age assurance, submitted risk assessments and Ofcom guidance — with possible criminal sanctions for breaches. Australia's under-16 ban, in force since December 2025, is cited as a direct reference.
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