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Today the government has announced a social media ban for people aged under 16, with restrictions for people aged 16 and 17.
Young people use social media in a lot of different ways. Some young people don’t have social media (or aren’t allowed it), while for others it’s an important tool for communication, self-expression, accessing information, or finding community.
You might feel disappointed, relieved, angry, happy, upset, worried, scared, or excited about the idea of a ban – and however you feel is OK. It’s also OK if you have mixed feelings, or if you’re not sure how you feel yet. You can take your time to think it through, and there’s support available if you need help.
If you need to talk, you can always text NATTER to 85258 to chat to a trained volunteer by text. If you need urgent help, visit the Get help now page.
What we know about the social media ban
We know that the ban will stop young people accessing social media platforms before they turn 16. Once they turn 16, there may be some restrictions on how they use social media.
Why is there going to be a social media ban?
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said that the ban is to ‘protect children, back parents, and set a new normal for future generations’.
People have been talking about whether young people are safe on social media – they’re worried about young people spending too much time online, as well as things like misinformation, young people accessing adult content, and people talking about mental health in dangerous ways.
Safety experts, parents, and young people have different opinions on whether a ban is the best way to keep young people safe. Now that the government has announced its plans, we know a bit more about what is going to happen.
Which platforms will be banned under the social media ban?
We know some of the platforms that will and will not be included. The government has said it will ban user-to-user platforms, which includes Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The government also said it does not intend for the ban to include messaging services including WhatsApp and Signal.
We also know that the government wants to block functions like livestreaming and communicating with strangers online beyond social media, including on gaming websites.
AI ‘romantic companion’ chatbots will have to enforce a minimum age of 18, and similar functionalities on all AI chatbots will be restricted for people under 18.
When will the social media ban happen?
The government says the ban is expected to be brought to Parliament before Christmas and the regulations are expected to start in Spring 2027.
What we don’t know about the social media ban
There are still some things we don’t know about the social media ban yet. People can talk about these things and what might happen – but we won’t know for sure until the government makes more announcements.
What restrictions does the social media ban include for 16- and 17-year olds?
We do not yet know exactly what restrictions will exist for young people aged 16 and 17. The government says it is exploring overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling, as well as restrictions on livestreaming and stranger communicating being on ‘by default’.
Some people and news organisations are making suggestions about what these restrictions might look like, but we do not know exactly what the restrictions will be or how they might work. The government has said it will say more about restrictions in July.
How will your age be verified for the social media ban?
We do not know how people’s age will be verified yet.
Ofcom (the organisation that regulates communication services, including online services, TV, and radio) is going to do a rapid study on effective age assurance to help the government figure out how to check people’s ages.
What to do if you’re worried about the social media ban
It’s understandable that some young people will feel worried, frustrated, sad or scared about a social media ban. Social media is a big part of a lot of young people’s lives and not having access until you’re 16 is a change.
Remember nothing is changing right now
With the news about the ban all over the internet, it can make the situation feel really urgent – but in reality, the government expects the ban to start next year.
This means that there’s plenty of time to understand what it means for you, including how you can find information and stay connected to friends and communities.
Get information from a trusted source like Best For You
Lots of people online will be talking about the social media ban, so it’s important to get your information from a trusted source like Best For You or the government website.
Try not to spend all your time finding out about the ban
It can be tempting to watch content or refresh the news all day, but it’s unlikely you’ll learn anything new.
At the moment, a lot of the news online is about what might happen, for example, how people might verify their age or what might happen for 16- and 17-year-olds. Until the government officially announces this, people can only talk about the possibilities – and endless chat about what might (or might not) happen can make people feel more worried and anxious.
Talk to an adult you trust
The idea of a social media ban is new for adults too, so they won’t have all of the answers – but you can talk about your thoughts and worries together.
Young people deserve spaces to share their thoughts and opinions, whether you think the social media ban is a bad idea, a good idea, or something in between. You might find it helpful to be able to share what’s on your mind and to hear the opinions of adults you trust as well. It’s OK if you disagree on some things – it can still be helpful for you both to explain what you think and why, as well as chatting about what a social media ban might mean for you.
If you’re not sure who to talk to but want to chat, you can always text NATTER to 85258 to speak to a trained volunteer by text. You can also get support from places like Kooth, which runs moderated discussion forums for young people, as well as having the option to message mental health professionals.
Check in with how you’re using social media now
If you’re currently using social media, today’s news could be a good reminder to think about your relationship with it. You might want to think about how it makes you feel, or how much time you spend scrolling.
You can find out more about using social media in a more healthy way on our social media guide. Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be updating this guide (and this page) as we find out more about the social media ban for under 16s.
Remember there are other places to get help and support
A social media ban will not remove all of the places that young people can get help and support because it does not stop young people using the internet altogether. Young people will still be able to use messaging apps like WhatsApp (once they’re old enough, according to the rules of each app).
Young people will also still be able to use search engines and websites. While Best For You posts on social media we also share the information and resources on our website, which will stay as a safe space for young people to find the support they need.
Like lots of projects and organisations that support young people, Best For You will spend the next few months thinking carefully about the best ways to make sure young people can get the information and support they need, without accessing social media platforms that are banned.
No young person should have to cope with the news about the social media ban – or the ban itself – on their own. Best For You will be here to explain what’s happening, give you tips on how to manage, and tell you about the places you can talk and get support.
