00:00Many UK teens may soon be barred from using platforms like Instagram, X and Facebook,
00:05as Prime Minister Keir Starmer adds his country to the list of nations putting forth legislation
00:09curbing social media access for teens.
00:12This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social
00:19media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.
00:25But government is always about choices, and it's clear to me that a full ban is the right
00:33choice.
00:34Starmer said his government has the authority to take initial steps in enacting the ban,
00:38expected to come into effect next spring.
00:40It would be a total ban for those under 16, with additional restrictions such as nighttime
00:44curfews for those between 16 and 18.
00:47How such a ban would be enforced remains to be seen.
00:49The UK is the latest country to try and restrict social media use among minors.
00:54In 2025, Australia became the first country on earth to implement such a ban, citing concerns
00:59over minors' mental health and safety.
01:01At the moment, strangers can contact any child unchecked.
01:08Just think about that.
01:10Is there a situation in the offline world where you would just let your child pair up with
01:18a stranger, an adult that you don't know anything about?
01:23No.
01:24Critics of the policy point out that despite risks, minors use social media to learn, make
01:28friends and unite around causes that they care about.
01:31They say such bans could push young people towards less safe and less regulated services.
01:36The UK government is moving forward despite the pushback.
01:39Ryan Wu and Larry Siano for Taiwan Plus.
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