New social media restrictions will end 'system failing our kids', PM says

The prime minister has said he will "call time on a system that's failing our kids" as he prepares to announce changes to social media restrictions for children.

"This is a choice about whose side we're on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn't working," Sir Keir Starmer said.

While a government consultation has found a majority supports a social media ban for under-16s, some campaigners have said such sweeping measures would cause more problems.

The government's decision has not yet been made public. Media reports have suggested under-16s will be banned from a number of social media platforms and see restrictions imposed on other sites.

The Sunday Times reported the prime minister was set to announce a ban covering the same 10 platforms now prohibited for under-16s in Australia: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, X, Threads, Facebook and Kick.

It said the UK would "go further" than Australia with additional measures including curfews for older teenagers and restrictions on AI chatbots.

According to the Guardian , under-16s will be barred from receiving or using disappearing messages and livestreaming on "safer" sites, and forced off "high-risk" ones altogether. Ministers have not confirmed the reports.

Sir Keir said: "How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time. As a dad, I know every parent wants their child to grow up safe and happy.