Prime Minister announces social media ban for children under 16

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has announced that the Government will introduce a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, with the measures expected to come into force later this year. This landmark policy represents one of the most significant interventions in children's digital safety to date, placing new restrictions on how technology companies engage with young users and signalling a major shift in the regulatory landscape. The announcement has immediate implications for local safeguarding partnerships, schools, and families across Wiltshire and the UK. As legislation is finalised, Lead Members will need to consider how this ban intersects with existing safeguarding responsibilities, digital literacy education in schools, and support for families navigating the new restrictions. The policy raises practical questions about age verification, enforcement mechanisms, and how statutory services will work alongside technology platforms to ensure compliance. Local authorities may face enquiries regarding the ban's implementation, particularly concerning vulnerable children and those who may already be experiencing online exploitation or cyberbullying. The move aligns with broader safeguarding priorities and the council's duty to protect children from harm, though detailed guidance will be needed to clarify how the restrictions complement existing multi-agency approaches to child protection and online safety.