Kids face sweeping social media clampdowns after the PM caved in to a growing Labour revolt
In response to increasing pressure from more than 60 Labour MPs, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced new measures to restrict access to social media for children under 16. This includes proposals for an Australia-style ban, app curfews, and limits to prevent excessive scrolling, reports BritPanorama.
The proposed changes are part of a nationwide consultation aimed at establishing a new minimum age for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The initiative follows public concerns that the government is losing control over children’s social media use. A complete ban on usage by under-16s is under consideration.
This push aligns with a broader strategy to implement stricter age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing adult content and counter design features deemed addictive, such as infinite scrolling.
In addition to restricting access, the package aims to assist parents by providing clearer guidance and simpler parental controls. Schools in England will also be mandated to adopt a “phone-free by default” policy, with oversight from Ofsted to ensure adherence.
The government is expected to release a formal response this summer. Recent surveys indicate significant public backing for stricter regulations, with over 200,000 letters sent to MPs from the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign advocating for change.
A YouGov poll revealed that 74% of respondents support a ban on social media for children. Nonetheless, some Labour MPs express frustration at the pace of government action, especially given the Conservative Party’s recent endorsement of a similar under-16s ban.
Child-safety organisations, including the NSPCC and Internet Watch Foundation, caution that blanket bans may be ineffective unless social media platforms undergo substantial redesigns. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall commented on the government’s commitment, stating, “We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them — and to give every child the childhood they deserve.”
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott welcomed the proposed changes but argued it “doesn’t go far enough,” emphasizing the need for legislative action to enforce the removal of phones from schools.
These developments align with ongoing debates about the responsibility of both government and technology providers in safeguarding children’s online experiences. The evolving landscape of youth engagement with social media necessitates a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to policy-making.
