The United Kingdom government has announced a nationwide restriction on social media use for children under the age of 16, citing concerns over its effects on young people’s safety, wellbeing, and mental health.

The decision was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a widely circulated video message, where he described the policy as a necessary step to protect children from harmful online exposure.

He added that, speaking as both a parent and national leader, his primary desire for children is for them to grow up safe and happy.

“Every parent wants the best for their kids and that’s what being a parent means,” he said. “For my two kids, all I’ve ever wanted, hand on heart, is for them to be safe and for them to be happy.”

“These days, kids have to find their feet in a world that changes so quickly, where technology intrudes into every area of their lives,” he said.

“The response from parents in the consultation has been absolutely clear. Thousands of parents say their children are addicted to social media,” he stated.

He warned that excessive social media use can have serious consequences for young people.

“It can leave them trapped in a cycle of endless scrolling that displaces play, sleep and time with the family. It can harm their mental health and frankly, parents need our support on this.”

“It’s fair to say that this decision has been resisted and it will face resistance from some of the most powerful companies in the world, but we will take them on and we will win because the need for action could not be any clearer.”

“Social media is making our children unhappy and unsafe and as a parent, as much as a Prime Minister, I just can’t let that go on anymore because our children deserve better,” he said.

“They deserve a happy, safe childhood in a stronger, fairer Britain.”