Starmer to Propose Ban on Social Media for Under 16s Across UK
UK Government Considers Social Media Restrictions for Children
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is said to be set to announce a ban on social media for under-16s after a national consultation closed last month.
The move comes amid growing worries about the effect of online platforms on the mental health and welfare of young people.
The planned prohibition has already been approved by Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
“Tech firms must prove their services are safe for children or face being banned from being available to under-16s,” said Mr Khan.
The strategy is anticipated to be published before the by-election in Makerfield on June 18.
Ministers would not be drawn into saying if Sir Keir will announce a ban.
Concerns Over Children’s Online Safety
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza has called for the limitations to be extended to under-18s.
Dame Rachel said: “What we need is action on the unfettered access technology companies have to children, often through features designed in ways that increase the harm.
Ministers are looking at evidence from Australia, which brought in a blanket ban in December.
A separate consultation will set out recommendations for parents on when a child should have their first smartphone and how long under-16s should spend in front of devices.
Education Secretary Highlights Balanced Approach to Technology
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Parents are facing challenges that generations before them never had to deal with and they need clear, practical support they can rely on.The answer, others would say, is to turn back the clock to a world with only pens and paper. I do not agree.Technology can be used properly to create possibilities for children with Send, to tailor support and to enable more children to achieve.“We want all children to be able to enjoy the opportunities of technology without losing the things that matter most – their education, their wellbeing and their childhood.
Dame Rachel recognised the benefits of technology but said many young people found it difficult to control their consumption, even when they wanted to spend less time online.
What the Proposed UK Social Media Ban Means
The proposed UK social media ban for under-16s reflects growing concerns among policymakers, educators, and child welfare advocates about the impact of digital platforms on young people. With ministers examining international examples and considering additional guidance for parents, the government aims to strike a balance between protecting children online and ensuring they can still benefit from technology’s educational opportunities.