Jakarta, INTI - The United Kingdom (UK) government plans to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister of the UK, Keir Starmer, aims to pass these new regulations before the end of 2026, with full ban implementation expected next year.
“It’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. It will make our children safer, happier, give them more time and security, and more freedom to grow up,” said Starmer in his speech, as written on the UK government website.
These access restrictions apply to social media platforms that allow children to communicate two-way with other stranger users and platforms that enable algorithmic content uploads.
Therefore, many social media platforms will be affected by these new draft regulations, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok. All of these platforms have chat features and open communication columns for their users. Furthermore, all of them utilize algorithms to deliver content to each user.
In addition, live streaming and chat features will be blocked, including the ones on gaming sites. However, the UK government has exempted messaging platforms like WhatsApp and music streaming platforms.
The UK Government Consulted with the Public
To create the regulation, the local government consulted with experts, teachers, parents, and children across the country. Of the 116,000 responses received, approximately 83 percent of parents agreed that the risks of social media outweigh the benefits.
Furthermore, approximately 90 percent of respondents also agreed that the minimum age for accessing social media should be 16 years old. However, in addition to targeting children under 16, the UK government also plans to implement an overnight curfew for children under 18. This curfew will limit children's doom-scrolling habit.
In addition to the UK, several countries have implemented restrictions on social media and gaming platforms for minors. Norway, Malaysia, Australia, and Indonesia are among the countries that have implemented these restrictions.
Conclusion
The UK government plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 through regulations targeted for passage before the end of 2026. These regulations will cover platforms that enable two-way communication and the use of content algorithms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. This plan received strong support from public consultations, in which a majority of parents and respondents agreed that the minimum age for social media use should be 16.
Read more: BRIN and UNICAMP Discuss Collaboration Opportunities in Semiconductor and Nanotechnology Technology