The U.K. Will Ban Kids From Using These Social Media Sites

InnovationConsumer TechThe U.K. Will Ban Kids From Using These Social Media SitesByBarry Collins,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Barry Collins is a tech journalist writing about PCs, Macs and games.Follow AuthorJun 15, 2026, 04:35am EDTThe U.K. plans to ban children from social mediaGetty ImagesThe prime minister of the U.K. has announced a sweeping social media ban for under-16s, following a similar ban imposed by Australia last year. In the U.K., under-16s will be barred from using services including Facebook, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. Personal messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will still be permitted, however. The U.K. government is also intending to introduce further restrictions, including:Considering overnight curfews and bans on infinite scrolling in social media apps for under-18sA ban on “romantic companion” chatbots for under-18sBlocks on “harmful functions” such as live streaming and communication with strangers for under-16s, potentially affecting gaming services Prime minister Keir Starmer said the government hoped to have the legislation signed off before Christmas, with the new powers coming into effect in early 2027. This is a breaking news story. More to follow.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video