Millions of UK phones will soon be banned from these popular apps, full list confirmed

As widely expected, Prime Minister Kier Starmer has just confirmed that millions of phone users will soon be blocked from accessing social media platforms. The ban, which is expected to come into force next year, will stop anyone under the age of 16 from getting access to applications such as Facebook, X and Instagram. The government says it plans to use the same model as recently announced in Australia and is being introduced to help younger people stay safe offline.

The upcoming ban is aimed at preventing children from accessing user-to-user platforms that enable social interaction and allow users to post material, alongside algorithms.

It's been confirmed that the ban will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.

However, messaging applications won't be impacted.

"We do not intend for messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal to be included in the social media ban," the government said in a statement.

It's hoped the changes will back parents grappling with the risks for children that come from the online world and help empower them by providing a clear decision on what is safe and age-appropriate for children.

"Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

"I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them.

"That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.

"This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations."

It's expected that the block will be enforced at speed, with under-16s losing access from early 2027.

Here are some of the apps likely to be blocked.

TikTok • Instagram Threads • Facebook • X (formerly Twitter) • Snapchat • Reddit • Twitch • Kick

Today’s announcement follows one of the largest public consultations undertaken by the UK government, with more than 116,000 submissions from parents, children and experts across the country. The results revealed strong support for stronger measures, with nine in ten parents backing a ban on social media use for children under 16.

Support for action was also widespread among young people. Two-thirds agreed that children under the age of 16 should be restricted from using at least some social media platforms.

"Today we take a bold and significant step, towards creating a safer, healthier life online, for our children and future generations," Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said.

"Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act. That is why we are a taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents’ hands.

"My driving force has always been to give every child, from every background, the best possible start in life. That is what these regulations will deliver."