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PTC News Desk: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced that the United Kingdom will impose a ban on the usage of social media for the children under the age of 16 arguing the measure is necessary to protect young people from harmful content and excessive screen time.

The announcement was made while addressing a press conference at Downing Street. The prime minister further asserted that the government would move ahead with a broad restriction covering major social media services used bychildren and teenagers.

“The government will ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16," Starmer said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the proposed ban is necessary to protect children's well-being and indicated that his government is ready to withstand opposition from technology companies that may be affected by the new regulations.

The proposal represents one of the most significant online safety initiatives put forward by the British government and places the United Kingdom among a growing number of nations introducing age-based restrictions on social media use. According to the Associated Press, Starmer said he would not back down if technology firms challenged the measure.

Britain's move is part of a broader global effort to improve online safety for children. Countries including Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have either passed laws or announced plans to introduce age restrictions and other rules governing children's access to social media platforms.

Several other nations, including France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea, are also exploring or developing similar measures aimed at strengthening protections for young internet users.