British PM Says ‘No Options Off the Table’ as Calls Grow to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Lawmakers cited members of the public saying children’s mental health and ability to focus on learning were being negatively impacted by social media use.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech after the signing of the declaration on deploying post-cease-fire forces in Ukraine during a summit on security guarantees for Ukraine, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Jan 6, 2026. Ludovic Marin, Pool photo via AP

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Jan. 19 that more needs to be done to protect children online, amid calls from lawmakers that the UK should consider an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s.

“I think we need to do more to protect children, and that’s why we’re looking at a range of options and saying that no options are off the table,” Starmer told reporters during a press conference.