UNITED KINGDOM (Kaab TV) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that social media platforms are contributing to declining happiness among young people, as the government moves forward with plans to restrict access for children under the age of 16.

Under the proposed policy, children under 16 will be banned from using major social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and X starting early next year, with implementation expected in early 2027.

Starmer described social media use among teenagers as increasingly addictive, comparing it to harmful dependency and warning that it is contributing to anxiety, reduced wellbeing, and overall unhappiness among young users.

The proposed restrictions are part of a broader effort by the UK government to strengthen online safety and protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. Officials say the policy reflects growing concern over the impact of digital platforms on mental health, particularly among adolescents.

Public support for the measure appears strong, with surveys indicating that around 90% of parents in the UK back stricter controls on children’s access to social media.

The UK joins a growing list of countries—including Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia—that have introduced or considered similar restrictions aimed at regulating children’s access to online platforms.

If implemented, the ban would mark one of the most significant social media regulations in Europe, potentially reshaping how tech companies operate and how young people engage with digital platforms in the coming years.