UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major policy shift, confirming plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, in a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

In the statement, he said the decision was driven by growing concern from parents and evidence of the harmful effects of social media on children

He warned that modern childhood is increasingly shaped by technology in ways that can negatively affect wellbeing: “Kids have to find their feet in a world that changes so quickly, where technology intrudes into every area of their lives.”

Starmer cited feedback from thousands of parents who believe social media is harming children’s mental health and daily routines: “Thousands of parents say their children are addicted to social media… trapped in a cycle of endless scrolling that displaces play, sleep, and time with the family.”

Announcing the policy, he stated: “The government has decided to ban social media access for children under 16.”

He added that while the move may face opposition, it is necessary and backed by evidence

“We haven’t rushed into it… we’ve looked carefully at the evidence. Some people may object, we will take them on, and we will win.”

He concluded that the goal is to protect children’s wellbeing and ensure a safer upbringing: “Social media is making our children unhappy and unsafe… our children deserve a happy, safe childhood.”