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UK unveils sweeping social media ban for users under 16
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that his government will ban social media use for children under 16, targeting platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are exempt. Additionally, AI "romantic companion" chatbots must be restricted to users over 18. The UK says its ban will go further than any other country’s. Starmer stated the ban could be in effect by next spring. The UK joins a growing number of nations addressing online child safety; Australia became the first to impose such a ban late last year, with Canada, France, and Denmark developing their own. The British government said the changes aim to "put power back in parents’ hands and give kids the childhood they deserve." Experts have questioned whether a blanket ban would be effective, but Starmer acknowledged challenges while insisting enforcement is possible. "Every parent can see it with their own eyes, social media is making children unhappy," he said, citing bullying, mental health harm, and addictive design features like infinite scroll. He argued social media displaces beneficial activities like sleep, reading, and outdoor play. The announcement follows an earlier government consultation with parents, young people, and civil society; over 83% of participating parents said social media’s risks outweigh its benefits.