Technology Secretary says Australian-style social media ban ‘definitely on the table’
Molly Russell’s father urges Starmer to ‘follow the evidence’ stop harm reaching children on social media
The UK government is actively considering new social media restrictions for children under 16, following a public consultation that garnered over 80,000 responses.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that an Australian-style ban, which would prevent under-16s from holding social media accounts, is “definitely on the table,” noting that nine in 10 parents supported such measures.
Beyond a potential ban, the consultation also explored alternative options, including implementing app curfews and imposing limits on platforms’ more addictive features to safeguard young users.
Both Sir Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister are expected to announce further actions on social media regulation in the near future, with the Prime Minister’s plans anticipated ahead of the Makerfield by-election.
Scotland’s children’s commissioner, Nicola Killean, raised concerns about the effectiveness of a blanket ban, suggesting it might not address underlying issues like exploitative algorithms and could inappropriately shift responsibility from platforms to children.
