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Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s
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◎ Multiple-sources
Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands.
Key facts
- Australia became the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025
- Nearly nine in 10 (88%) said fewer children would be exposed to inappropriate or harmful content
- The government said on Sunday that nine out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16 for accessing the apps in responses supplied to its “growing up in the online world” consultation
- There will also be restrictions for older teenagers up to the age of 18 that prevent “scrolling” late at night
Summary
In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. There will also be restrictions for older teenagers up to the age of 18 that prevent “scrolling” late at night. Australia became the world’s first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025. Starmer will announce the ban on Monday morning after months of pressure to act.