// THE VERGE — MOBILE & WEB
Under-16 social media ban announced by UK government
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The law will ‘go further than any other country,’ also restricting kids’ ability to talk to strangers in online games.
The law will ‘go further than any other country,’ also restricting kids’ ability to talk to strangers in online games.
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The UK is the latest country to follow Australia in implementing a total social media ban for children under 16, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced. The ban, which could take effect from early next year, will be joined by wider measures that will also prevent children from talking to strangers in online games, livestreaming, or using sexual or romantic chatbots.
“Do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children? Do we truly believe that it’s a place where they can feel safe?” Starmer asked during a press conference announcing the policy. “I don’t think I even need to answer those questions, do I?”
“Every parent can see it with their own eyes,” he said. “Social media is making children unhappy. It’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health, exposing them to content that is dangerous because that’s what grabs the attention. It’s designed to be addictive — of course it is. Features like the Infinite Scroll — they’re designed to lock you in for hours.”