Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared war on social media, banning access for all under-16s in the UK. The move is part of a wider crackdown on online harms, with chatbots that mimic romantic interactions now restricted to the 18+ crowd.

Critics argue the ban may just push young people towards less regulated platforms, while supporters maintain it’s necessary to shield minors from graphic content and bullying. Meta and X haven’t taken the news well, with CEO Elon Musk branding the policy a backdoor attempt at internet control.

Some see this as part of a growing trend, following Australia’s pioneering ban that has seen 70% of under-16s reportedly sidestepping restrictions. The UK government claims it will only come into force in spring 2027 but for now, the consultation is open and contentious.

While parents largely support the ban, policy experts warn against over-simplistic solutions that ignore the addictive nature of these platforms. Instead, they call for addressing design flaws that make social media so alluring to young users in the first place.