The United Kingdom announced plans to ban children under 16 from using social media apps. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the ban would protect children from content that is “designed to be addictive”. The proposed law would bar children under 16 from platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, but messaging services like WhatsApp would still be accessible. People under 18 would also be banned from using artificial intelligence “romantic companions”, though details remained unclear.
The legislation (法规) would put the responsibility on tech companies to ensure children aren’t using their platforms, and they could face huge fines for failing to comply. Starmer hoped the regulations would pass by late December and take effect by spring 2027.
Australia banned under-16s from social media in December 2025, but around 70% of parents polled in March said their children had bypassed age-gating systems. The U.S. Embassy in London voiced similar concern that age-gating would not work, calling parents “the first and best line of defense.” Big tech companies would likely fight the effort too. Starmer was not deterred. “We don’t say: ‘A teenager got a drink somehow, so let’s not ban drinks for children.’ That would be ridiculous!” He noted that British parents overwhelmingly support the ban.
In March, a Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and YouTube were liable for creating harmful, addictive products. The landmark decision could set a legal precedent (先例). More than a dozen countries, including France and Denmark, were already considering similar legislation.
Yet some communities have gone further. In Greystones, Ireland, parents have voluntarily pledged not to give children smartphones until middle school. The “It Takes a Village” initiative began after teachers noticed rising anxiety following the COVID-19 pandemic. By replacing screen time with game nights and outdoor activities, the community has seen children sleep better and focus more. This raises a key question: Can government bans alone protect children, or do they need the kind of community support that Greystones has built?
原创编写 版权所有 侵权必究 每日更新 个性化阅读 英语飙升
微信用户 Jun 23, 2026 6:15:54 AM
local coporation helps kids.
！
微信用户 Jun 23, 2026 10:05:24 AM
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate."
！
微信用户 Jun 23, 2026 10:05:28 AM
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate."
！
微信用户 Jun 23, 2026 10:05:32 AM
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate."
！
