When will social media ban start, and which apps will be affected?

The measures will see apps including TikTok and Snapchat banned for UK teens early in 2027.

The United Kingdom plans to ban children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms starting in spring 2027, joining a growing international effort to restrict minors' access. This initiative is part of a broader global trend, with countries such as Canada, France, and Spain also introducing restrictions to protect young people's mental health and online safety.

The UK government has announced a ban on social media access for under-16s, which will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The government is using the same framework as in Australia. It will ban under-16 access for 'user-to-user platforms' that enable social interaction between users and allow them to post material – jargon for social media. Messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban, according to the government.

The UK government has announced a ban on children under 16 from using major social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X, aiming to protect young users from harmful content and excessive screen time. The ban is expected to take effect early next year, with penalties for non-compliance directed at tech companies, not the children themselves.

The British government will introduce a ban on social media access for all users under 16 years of age, set to take effect in 2027. UK prime minister Keir Starmer announced the plans on Monday, calling the move 'the right step for Britain' and the best way to keep children safe online. The plan goes further than a similar ban introduced in Australia. It will cover major platforms Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.