On the 15th June 2026, Kier Starmer introduced a new social media ban for all under 16’s, soon to be coming into place in Spring 2027. The government had decided to bring this idea in to minimise access to harmful individuals, improve mental health and wellbeing and encourage children under 16 years old to socialise in person more.
Studies show that social skills will get better due to having to immediately respond, helping pause less and conversations flow more. This ban aims to increase the chances of physical activity, which can already reduce anxiety and depression.
This shows a benefit in people who are struggling by helping them to find different strategies to manage. Exercise does not only help the physiological side of the body, but also can lower the risk of various cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
You may be wondering – how does that all work? Physical activity, such as walking, cycling, running and many more, is proven to trigger the release of neurotransmitters. For example, these could be endorphins, serotonin, dopamine. These can immediately improve your mood and emotional stability – how you can balance and maintain an emotional state.
Did you know that physical activity can also develop your memory and academic ability and in some cases lower your chances of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in the future?
With limiting access to platforms where contact can be made with anyone, under 16’s can be protected a lot better. To ensure that the ban is correctly enforced, children will have to show robust age verification that can not be forged. These rules aim to reduce the chances of children being exposed to online abuse and inappropriate content.
Overall, the government decided this would be a good idea to improve many children’s experiences online and benefit aspects of their social life too. Many children are still asking: Are you for real?