Britain will ban kids under age 16 from using a range of social media apps, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday, calling it “a big moment for our country.” The move makes the U.K. part of a growing global movement to tighten online safety for children.

Protecting Children

Starmer told a news conference that he will fight back if technology companies resist the move, intended to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. He said he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.” The ban could include popular apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The decision follows a public comment period in which the government got 116,000 responses from parents, the tech industry, and children. The vast majority of respondents wanted an under-16 ban, including youths, said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Some experts have expressed concerns that the ban could drive children to use worse sites and that policing devices is technically challenging. However, Starmer said the government is “confident that this ban can be effective” and will take effect early next year.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.