British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media and introduce strict controls on gaming and live-streaming platforms to enhance online safety.
The proposed measures, which target platforms such as snapchat.com, tiktok.com, instagram.com, youtube.com, facebook.com and x.com, aim to prevent strangers from contacting children and reduce harmful online engagement.
Starmer described the move as a way to “give children their childhood back,” saying the restrictions would improve their safety, happiness, and freedom to grow. However, some experts questioned whether a total ban could be effectively enforced.
READ ALSO: United Kingdom casts off into the Brexit unknown
The UK’s proposed “Australia-plus” approach would go beyond Australia’s social media restrictions by also covering gaming platforms, introducing stronger controls on live-streaming, and considering measures such as overnight curfews and limits on endless scrolling for minors. Messaging apps like WhatsApp.com and signal.org would be exempt.
Reuters
