Full list of apps you can't use as social media ban hits all under 16s in UK

In a 'big moment for our country', Sir Keir Starmer has just announced that children under age 16 will be banned from social media.

The prime minister announced this new technology restriction during a press conference as Downing Street as he warned of the impact social media was having on children's happiness and mental health.

He said he wouldn't compromise on their 'safety and happiness' as he is confident the ban can be effective, but acknowledged some kids would find their way around it.

But, the PM says it's 'clear' to him that 'a full ban is the right choice'. This ban is set to come into force 'in the early part of next year'.

Starmer said this morning (15 June): “Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy."

The ban is said to come into place early 2027. (Toby Shepheard / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Set to be passed by Christmas and in place by spring 2027, the new restrictions will leave technology firms, rather than children, liable for enforcement action if they fail to comply.

Measures will also be put in place to prevent children from chatting with adults on gaming and livestreaming platforms.

Reported to mirror the ban previously put in place in Australia, it's believed this change in the UK will include the following social media:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Threads
• Facebook
• X
• YouTube
• Snapchat
• Twitch
• Kick

There will also be a minimum age of 18 put in place on AI 'romantic companion' chatbots designed to simulate sexual relationships with users.

Plus, more general AI tools will have similar functions restricted for children.

The government is also looking at potential overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, with more details expected next month.

The ban is not expected to cover messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal and Starmer suggested YouTube Kids, Lego Play and Google Classroom would not be covered by the prohibition.

He announced the ban at a press conference in Downing Street. (Carlos Jasso/PA Wire)

The government intends to use highly-effective age assurance (HEAA) measures to make it more difficult for children to dodge the ban.

Those methods could include facial age estimates, photo ID or bank checks according to guidance from regulator Ofcom.

Speaking earlier this morning, Starmer continued: "It's making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health.

“Other children 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.

“If nothing else, there's an opportunity cost to that. It stops children doing their homework, reading, playing with their friends outside, going to bed at decent hour.

“Now may not sound like much, but these are the activities that help a child develop into an adult.”

While it's acknowleged that children would try to find their way around the restrictions but Starmer does 'believe we can enforce it'.

He said: “Teenagers drink before they should, but we do not then say, ‘in which case let us abandon any attempt to stop them buying alcohol’, we say ‘let’s improve the enforcement of what we’re doing’.”