Kids Face Social Media Lock‑down in Britain

Britain is set to stop children under 16 from accessing a wide range of social media sites, a move announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The decision comes after a public consultation that gathered over 116, 000 comments from parents, tech firms and young people. Starmer described the policy as a “big moment for our country” and said he would push back if companies tried to block the rule. The new law will apply from early next year and is expected to cover major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Twitch, Kick and Reddit. The government believes the ban will protect children from harmful content and reduce excessive screen time.Britain’s plan joins a wave of global action aimed at tightening online safety for minors. Nations like Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have already introduced age‑based restrictions or legislation. France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are also exploring similar measures. While the Prime Minister argues that keeping kids safe online is a crucial debate, critics warn that a blanket ban could clash with free‑speech principles and increase tensions with the United States. The U. S. Embassy in London has cautioned that regulations should be narrowly tailored and not burden American tech companies. Despite the controversy, most respondents to the consultation favored an under‑16 ban. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said that a restriction should be part of broader efforts to support families and children’s well‑being, noting that Australia’s experience shows the ban can play a significant role.