UK government finalises social media ban for under-16s coming Spring 2027

Complete Ban and Additional Safeguards

Social media platforms will be blocked from offering services to under-16s, with the government also going further than a blanket ban with world-leading blocks on harmful functions such as livestreaming and stranger communication with children for under-16s. Decisive action is backed by 9 in 10 parents – and is expected to be brought to Parliament before Christmas, with protections expected to come into force in Spring 2027.

These restrictions apply to a wider range of online services, including on gaming sites, and will be on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff-edge at 16. The government is looking in more detail at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18-year-olds and will set out more detail in July.

Implementation and Enforcement

The restrictions will be backed up by stronger requirements for age checks on platforms, with the first set of Regulations to be laid before the end of the year, and changes expected to be implemented in Spring 2027. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, will be responsible for enforcement, not parents.

What This Means for Foreigners and Families

If you're moving to the UK with children or teenagers, it's important to understand that social media access rules for young people will become significantly stricter from Spring 2027. Under-16s will no longer be able to create or access mainstream social media accounts, though messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will remain available. Teenagers aged 16-17 will still have access but with livestreaming and stranger contact turned off by default. Families relocating should plan accordingly and discuss these changes with their children in advance.

Sources

• GOV.UK — Social media to be banned for under-16s in landmark government move
• House of Commons Library — Proposals to ban social media for children