The UK is introducing an ‘Australia plus’ under-16s social media ban. But how is it going there?
Last week, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced a sweeping ban on under-16s that would stop them accessing social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook by 2027.

TL;DR
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on under-16s accessing social media apps.
- The ban is scheduled to take effect by 2027.
- Affected apps include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Facebook.
- The policy is referred to as an ‘Australia plus’ ban.
- Australia was the first country to implement a nationwide ban on children accessing these apps.
- The article investigates the implementation and reception of Australia's ban.
- Political correspondent Aletha Adu and Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley are collaborating on the report.