Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

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[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

The UK Government has announced plans to ban social media platforms from providing their services to under 16s.

This is a major step to protect children online – meaning less time to scroll, more time to play, and a safer digital future.

[Liz Kendall @leicesterliz]

One of the most important moments in my role as Technology Secretary.

Protecting children isn’t optional — it’s a priority.

And I’m determined to make sure every child gets the childhood they deserve.

[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

A big moment at @10DowningStreet 📸

@Keir_Starmer set out plans to ban social media platforms from providing services to under 16s - bringing together parents and campaigners.

Putting power back into parents’ hands 👏

[The News Agents @TheNewsAgents]

"There is a clear sense across this country that the chronic impact of social media is so extensive.

"It's not the childhood any of us want in this country."

Have tech companies "stolen" our children's childhoods?

@KanishkaNarayan speaks to @jonsopel and @maitlis.

[Liz Kendall @leicesterliz]

I want there to be a cultural shift and lasting change for future generations when it comes to young people’s experiences of social media. Since day one in my role at Tech Secretary, keeping children safe online has been my top priority.

[Liz Kendall @leicesterliz]

Parents have been crying out for support when it comes to their children being on social media. So that’s why we’ve made this big decision – to put power back in to parents’ hands, and to give children their childhood back.

[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

Find out more: https://t.co/8c6UjqIosc

[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

World’s first quantum standards framework 🚀⚛️

Backed by £10 million, the National Quantum Standards Network will reduce barriers to turning research into real-world products and help UK innovations succeed globally.

[Liz Kendall @leicesterliz]

Today is a day for all those who have campaigned for change: parents, charities, bereaved families.

This is YOUR moment.

A day where we put power back in parents' hands.

And give all our children the best start in life.

[Liz Kendall @leicesterliz]

Today marks a defining moment for our children and future generations.

Today, we are giving children their childhoods back.

[BBC Radio 4 PM @BBCPM]

"We are moving at lightning speed".

Kanishka Narayan, the Minister for AI and Online Safety, says despite the government not yet having a full implementation strategy for it's social media ban for under 16's, it aims to deliver one in 12 months time.

[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

Find out more: https://t.co/3fF5uVFsKj

[Department for Science, Innovation and Technology @SciTechgovuk]

You spoke. We listened.

Now we’re taking action to give the next generation the childhood they deserve.

@leicesterliz explains what this means 🔽

[BBC Politics @BBCPolitics]

"We hope to pass regulation before Christmas, and therefore to bring the ban into force in the early part of next year," PM Keir Starmer tells BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman

Follow live reaction and analysis: https://t.co/GAAAEygEci

[LBC @LBC]

- Fewer children using social media.
- A 'cultural change'.

Keir Starmer tells @NatashaC what would constitute a 'success' for his U16 social media ban.

[BBC Breakfast @BBCBreakfast]

Seven parents who believe social media played a part in their children's deaths reacted on #BBCBreakfast to the announcement by Keir Starmer that it will be banned for children under 16 from next year

https://t.co/btDlviMD8b

[National Crime Agency (NCA) @NCA_UK]

We welcome this announcement of an under-16s social media ban from the Prime Minister today.

Read NCA Director General Graeme Biggar's response below 👇

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

I am simply not prepared to be a bystander when the safety and happiness of our children are at stake.

We will ban social media access for under 16s, and give children their childhoods back.

Read more about it here: https://t.co/oqX7ufHB4R

[Anthony Albanese @AlboMP]

Congratulations on taking this important step, Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer.

Social media giants operate across borders. By standing together, we can do more to hold them accountable and keep children safe online.

[Mumsnet @MumsnetTowers]

Fantastic news that the government has listened to parents, to Mumsnet users and to other campaigners, and chosen to take meaningful action.

[Ofcom @Ofcom]

Following today's announcement on under 16s' access to social media, we are ready to work with Government to ensure the new measures are implemented quickly and are robust and effective.

This builds on existing protections for children online. 🔗
https://t.co/bP1MXeYcB9