Date confirmed for when social media ban for under-16s set to come into force in UK

Most parents were in favour

The Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed the date when a social media ban for under 16s is set to come into force.

The news was announced yesterday at the Labour Conference in Liverpool with the date not being announced prior.

Now, it has been confirmed by Nandy that the ban will come into force from March 2027.

TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram are among the apps included in the ban.

Earlier this year, a consultation with over 100,000 participants found that 85% of parents believed the risk of social media outweigh any benefits.

The announcement of the ban predates current PM Andy Burnham, being set out by Keir Starmer in June of this year.

At the time, the then PM said it was a "big moment for our country" and that we needed to "call time on a system that's failing our kids and take bold action to give every child the best possible start in life".

Despite the approaching ban, some are concerned that children will still be able to circumvent the restrictions.

Many point to Australia where a similar ban was introduced last year, where kids quickly found ways around it.

The UK ban is likely to build on the age-checking systems already used under the Online Safety Act, which is regulated by Ofcom.