Social media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announces

Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, has announced a significant proposal to ban social media access for all individuals under the age of 16. Starmer described the plan as a "real change for our children and our future," intended to shield young people from the negative impacts of online platforms.

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Social media is making children unhappy, it’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health.

"Social media is making children unhappy, it’s making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse them, and it could even be harming their mental health," Starmer stated, outlining plans that go beyond similar measures implemented in Australia. The proposed ban would encompass major social platforms and include restrictions on online products like gaming apps, specifically removing the ability to chat with strangers.

Starmer acknowledged that the ban is not without its complexities and that social media does offer benefits. However, he asserted that "government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a total ban is the right choice." He presented the initiative as a way to reassure parents that Britain is committed to providing a better environment for their children, ensuring they have a fair chance in life.

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This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has [brought no] benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.

Addressing concerns about potential circumvention, Starmer drew parallels to existing laws, such as alcohol sales restrictions for minors. "We don’t say, ‘Oh, look, a teenager managed to get a drink somehow, so let’s not bother banning alcohol sales for children.’ We don’t do that, do we?" he questioned, emphasizing that laws reflect societal values and shape the social contract.

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But government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a total ban is the right choice.

Starmer indicated that the aim is to pass legislation by the end of the year, with the ban potentially coming into effect by next spring. He stressed his unwillingness to compromise on children's safety and happiness, acknowledging the challenges in legislating, regulating, and enforcing such a ban. He also stated that the proposal is not anti-technology or anti-AI, but rather a necessary measure to protect children while embracing technological advancements.

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We don’t say, ‘Oh, look, a teenager managed to get a drink somehow, so let’s not bother banning alcohol sales for children.’ We don’t do that, do we?