Health Secretary Wes Streeting has issued a stark warning that social media platforms are morphing into 'antisocial media', contributing to a surge in mental health issues that is overwhelming the National Health Service.
Minister Eyes Australian Social Media Ban
In a candid interview, the Cabinet minister revealed he has instructed officials to closely monitor the results of Australia's controversial ban on social media for under-16s. While the UK government has stated it has no current plans to implement a similar prohibition, Streeting suggested he is taking a leading role in evaluating its potential.
"We need to think much more radically about how we support young people to navigate this new online world," Streeting told the Observer. He contrasted the relative difficulty of his youth, trying to sneak into age-restricted films at the cinema, with the modern ease of accessing extreme content online.
Alarming Statistics Underline the Crisis
The scale of the challenge is underscored by recent data. A YouGov poll for University College London in September found that 64% of young adults in Britain report having experienced mental health difficulties. Furthermore, the latest NHS statistics show that 507,136 people were in contact with children and young people's mental health services at the end of October.
Experts point to a combination of factors driving the crisis, with the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pervasive rise of social media frequently cited. Ofcom's new children's safety code, which came into force in July, now compels tech firms to implement stricter measures to shield minors from harmful content linked to rising self-harm and suicide cases.
Fresh Guidance on Screen Time Expected
Amid growing concerns, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is understood to be in discussions with England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, regarding children's use of social media. This collaboration is expected to yield updated guidance on screen time for the under-fives in the new year, replacing advice that has not been revised since 2019.
However, the potential for a blanket social media ban remains contentious. Some campaigners caution that such a move could simply displace risks to other online spaces like gaming or messaging platforms. Downing Street has reiterated its position, stating the focus remains on making online content age-appropriate without isolating young people from essential digital services.
