this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2026
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UK: Under-16s to be banned from social media, Starmer announces (www.bbc.co.uk)
submitted 5 days ago by Tarambor@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
310 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Under-16s will be banned from using social media, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.

Starmer says social media is making children unhappy, making it easier for bullies to abuse children, and is "designed to be addictive". A ban would give children more time, security, and more freedom to grow up - as well as more opportunities, he adds.

"That is all any parent wants. They want to know that Britain will be better for their children, that they will get a fair chance," the PM says in a speech in Downing Street.

Starmer adds that the government is "not prepared to compromise" on the safety and happiness of children - and that includes in the regulation and enforcement of this ban. He says the government has listened to and learned from countries like Australia, where a similar ban has already been introduced.

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[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Being an addict isn't illegal, possessing illegal drugs is. Plenty of legal ways to be an addict if you insist though.

[–] pressanykeynow@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Fair point. But using social media means spreading social media among other addicts.

[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

I think you raise a fair point, can you participate in social media without affecting others in a negative way? My guess is scale is a big issue. If social media was just our neighbors together in a forum using technology to improve our communication, that would be a positive overall I'd think.

Tools aren't really bad on their own, it depends how we choose to use them and what goals we try to achieve with them.