As UK ban for under-16s is confirmed, experience of Australian parents of similar restrictions has been mixed Social media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announces UK politics live – latest updates The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has confirmed a social media ban for under-16s in the UK. It is now six months since Australia introduced its ban. While supporters say it is helping to protect young people online, critics argue many teenagers are still using social media and that the restrictions are difficult to enforce.