Starmer Keeps Door Open To Social Media Ban For Under-16s. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he has not ruled out banning under-16s from social media, insisting that “all options are on the table” when it comes to protecting children online. Starmer says more action is needed to shield young people from the harms of social media, adding that the government is closely watching developments in Australia, where a nationwide ban for under-16s has recently been introduced. Privately, Labour MPs and officials suggest the UK could eventually follow Australia’s lead. Pressure may grow next week, when the House of Lords is due to vote on proposals linked to a potential ban. The Conservative Party has already pledged to block under-16s from social media and ban smartphones in schools if it wins the next election. Party leader Kemi Badenoch says addictive apps are closely linked to rising mental health problems among young people. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham voices support for tougher controls, as Meta confirms it has blocked hundreds of thousands of accounts under Australia’s new rules. Starmer says the government must act, warning that children are arriving at school having spent far too much time on screens.