Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Social Media Ban: Hampshire Mum Says Social Media Is as Harmful to Children as Smoking

The plan would require age verification, curb overnight access for 16- and 17-year-olds and block live streaming for younger teens, officials said.

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK government will ban under-16s from social media, with legislation expected by Christmas and implementation potentially starting next year.
  • Starmer termed the policy 'Australia-plus' to address addiction and mental health concerns, with Labour MP Darren Paffey calling it a 'necessary step forward' for protecting children from online harms.
  • The policy mandates age verification checks and imposes an overnight curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, while younger teens face live-streaming restrictions; messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal remain excluded.
  • Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the government will address workarounds like virtual private networks in July, though critics warn age verification requirements threaten all citizens' privacy online.
  • Professor Amy Orben of Cambridge cautioned the ban may not deliver short-term well-being gains, while Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore warned compliance remains low if young people's peers stay online.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

15 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Gazette-News broke the news in Colchester, United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal