British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to prohibit social media platforms for those under 16 while adding limits on gaming and livestreaming services in what would rank among the strictest global rules for online access.

Starmer stated on Monday that the government intends to roll out broad reforms to social media oversight aimed at safeguarding young users and their mental health during online activity.

He noted the administration can act quickly on the prohibition with hopes of securing passage before Christmas and enforcement starting next spring.

A complete ban represents the correct path forward he said while acknowledging the challenge yet stressing the governments ability to counter major technology firms.

Britain has already strengthened its stance toward tech firms in recent years by requiring age checks adjusting algorithms and blocking minors from sharing explicit photos captured on phones.

Amid rising concerns over mental health effects from excessive screen time Starmer chose to expand measures after consulting families and reviewing Australias under-16 ban implemented last year.

Starmer who may encounter a leadership test soon emphasized that the public demands decisive steps.

This approach will end a failing system for children and deliver strong measures to support every young person he said prior to the Monday announcement.

The Guardian reported that Starmer will detail a prohibition on major social platforms for all under 16s while uncovered services like gaming apps will face limits such as blocking contact with unknown users.

Australia Sets Precedent

Australia became the first nation to restrict social media for children under 16 by blocking access in December to platforms including TikTok YouTube Instagram and Facebook.

Additional countries have since indicated interest in similar regulations due to growing worries about effects on youth well-being and security.

Britain gathered input from educators parents and adolescents regarding potential rules including an under-16 ban along with time restrictions and controls on addictive platform features.

The effort drew over 116000 replies from families industry and youth with more than 83 percent of parents viewing risks as greater than benefits and 90 percent supporting a minimum age of 16.

Culture and media minister Lisa Nandy observed that Australias results show some minors may evade restrictions yet the overall shift alters social norms.

At ages eight through eleven children will no longer assume entry into these environments simply because peers participate which significantly transforms the culture she told BBC television.

Although many parents and officials favor the ban certain psychologists note a lack of evidence for its success while London school students described mixed feelings toward the technology in comments to Reuters.