The Government has announced that under 16s will be banned from major social media platforms. The plan is for this to start in spring 2027, though details are still being worked out.
Here’s what we know so far, and what you can do while you wait.
Which platforms could be affected
The ban is expected to cover the big platforms most kids use. That likely includes:
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be part of this. The focus is on social media, not private chat between people who already know each other.
Features that will be restricted
It’s not just about whole platforms being off limits. Some specific features for under 16s are also being targeted, including:
- creating livestreams
- talking to strangers in online spaces
These are two of the areas where a lot of harm happens, so it makes sense they’re getting attention.
What about AI chatbots
There’s also a separate plan to ban sexually explicit content in AI chatbots for under 18s. This is a newer risk that’s grown fast, and it’s good to see it being taken seriously alongside social media.
Why this doesn’t change much right now
Spring 2027 sounds close, but it’s still a while away. Until then, your child can use these platforms exactly as they could yesterday.
There’s also something worth being aware of. When kids hear something is about to be banned, some get more curious about it, not less. Don’t be surprised if your child wants to explore these apps more in the coming months, especially if they’ve heard about the ban from friends or in the news.
What you can do now
This is the part that actually matters today. The ban is a future change, but the risks online are a right now problem.
If your child is already on social media, the safest approach is still active involvement from you. That means:
- knowing which apps they use
- checking their privacy settings together
- talking openly about who they’re speaking to online
If your child isn’t on social media yet and is asking to join, our advice hasn’t changed. Where you can, it’s best to wait until they’re 16. If that’s not realistic for your family, 13 should be the absolute minimum, since that’s the age limit set by most platforms anyway.
Either way, letting young children use social media isn’t something to treat as normal or harmless, even with the ban coming. The risks that exist today (strangers contacting kids, harmful content, pressure to share images, livestreaming to large audiences) are all still live right now.