British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a ban on children under the age of 16 using social media. He said that if passed by parliament, the rule would come into effect from 2027. He said that social media was making children miserable. "It has made it easier for perpetrators to abuse children. These networks are designed to be addictive," he said. He expressed his belief that the ban would give children more time, security and freedom to grow up. "This is what any parent wants. They want better and fairer opportunities for their children," the Prime Minister said. Starmer said that the government would not compromise on the safety and happiness of children. He said that the British government was learning from countries like Australia to make this rule. Australia introduced a rule last December banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. Australia is the first country in the world to enact such a rule. Since then, Indonesia and Malaysia have also banned children under 16 from social media.