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The United Kingdom has decided to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for those under the age of 16.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on June 15 (local time) that this measure is intended to "give children back their childhood."
The ban covers social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp are not included in the ban.
Some services, such as YouTube Kids and Google Classroom, are also excluded.
"These platforms are designed to expose children to dangerous content and get them addicted," Prime Minister Starmer said. "This measure will allow children to be safer, happier, and have more freedom and opportunities to grow."
The British government plans to process the relevant regulations within this year and implement them starting next spring.
The bill is highly likely to pass, as it has the support of both the ruling Labour Party and the main opposition Conservative Party.
Prime Minister Starmer also noted that strangers can access children through gaming services and live-streaming platforms, adding that the government will implement "world-leading" restrictive measures.
The government added that it is also considering setting nighttime usage limits for those under 18 and stopping infinite scrolling, with detailed information to be announced next month.
A total of 116,000 responses were received during the British government's public consultation process on the under-16 social media ban, which concluded last month.
This is the second-highest number of responses in history, following the consultation on the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2012.
Among the parents who responded, 83% stated that the risks social media poses to children outweigh the benefits, and 91% supported 16 as the minimum age requirement.
The UK has been considering this measure since Australia banned social media for those under 16 in December of last year.
Following Australia's move, countries including Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have introduced similar bills or announced age-restriction policies, while France, Spain, Denmark, and Thailand are also examining such measures.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.