Europe Asia News

Starmer announced that the use of social media by individuals under the age of 16 will be prohibited. He stated that the main objective of the decision is to reduce the risks children face in the digital environment and to “give children their childhood back.”

Starmer noted that technological developments, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, are having a transformative impact on society. He said the government does not seek to reject these developments entirely, but rather to manage and guide them through appropriate controls.

Emphasizing that social media can have addictive features for children and may increase cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and mental health problems, Starmer highlighted that features such as “infinite scrolling” and autoplay negatively affect how children spend their time.

Starmer stated that the decision is not merely a ban but also an attempt to establish a new “social norm,” adding that the measure is expected to influence family behavior and children’s expectations.

The government’s move will be considered alongside online safety legislation and regulations targeting digital platforms. Starmer also announced new investments aimed at encouraging children to participate more in cultural, sporting, and educational activities.