Peter Andre has praised the UK government's plans to implement a social media ban for under-16s, describing the move as "wonderful" and predicting that many parents will feel "relieved" by the news. The Mysterious Girl singer, 53, has spoken out after previously supporting a similar decision in his home country of Australia.
Andre's Support for the Ban
Writing in his new! magazine column, Andre said: "As you may know, I've been very vocal about my support for the Australian social media ban for under 16s. I've been fortunate enough to sit in Parliament to discuss the issue." He highlighted the growing threat of AI, stating: "What's become increasingly scary is how AI has come into play - the things they can do with images now is horrific so I think it's a wonderful thing that the government here has announced a plan to implement something similar in the UK."
Andre acknowledged that teenagers may be frustrated but argued it is for their own good. He reflected on his own experience: "In hindsight, it was very different when it all started - Junior, Princess and myself were all new to it. We didn't know what we know now." Andre has four children: Junior, 21, and Princess, 18, with ex-wife Katie Price, as well as Millie, 12, Theo, nine, and two-year-old Belle with wife Emily MacDonagh.
Government's Plan
Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans to block access for under-16s to platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, expected to be implemented early next year. Starmer insisted that "a full ban is the right choice" for children, stating: "This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free... But government is always about choices, and it's clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. I come to it as a parent myself. I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we're thinking about this issue."
Starmer added: "All I've ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe... do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children? Do we truly believe that it's a place where they can feel safe? I don't think I even need to answer those questions, do I? Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy."
Impact on Parents and Children
Andre expressed that many parents may be relieved by the potential implementation, echoing the Prime Minister's sentiments. The ban is part of broader efforts to protect young people online, with age checks and other measures being considered. The move has garnered support from various celebrities and child safety advocates, though some critics argue about enforcement and potential drawbacks.
