Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has issued a powerful demand for the United Kingdom to implement a comprehensive ban on social media access for all children under the age of sixteen. This urgent call to action comes amid growing concerns about what Mr Sarwar describes as a profound mental health emergency affecting young people across the nation.
A Direct Appeal for Government Action
Mr Sarwar has explicitly urged the UK Government to follow the legislative leads set by both Australia and France, where significant restrictions on children's access to online platforms have been enacted. He made this direct appeal to his Labour Party colleagues in Westminster, framing the policy as a crucial step to "give kids the childhood they deserve."
The Stakes of the Status Quo
"We already know the risks young people face online," Sarwar stated, outlining a troubling catalogue of digital dangers. "Whether it's cyberbullying, addictive habits, or exposure to extreme content and views. As a parent I know the status quo isn't working." He argued that social media is actively interfering with children's ability to learn and is a primary driver of the escalating mental health crisis.
The Scottish Labour leader was unequivocal in his condemnation of current protections, asserting, "We cannot stand by while young people are being failed by a system that doesn't protect them." His comments are underscored by data showing thousands of young people in Scotland are being referred to child and adolescent mental health services every single month, a trend he directly links to social media usage.
Political Landscape and Legislative Hurdles
The proposal enters a complex political arena. While First Minister John Swinney has expressed support for stronger measures to protect children online, he has not endorsed a full social media ban, noting that such a policy would require implementation at the Westminster level. This highlights the constitutional dimension of the issue, placing the ultimate decision-making power with the UK Government.
Parliamentary momentum for a ban has already been demonstrated. In January, the House of Lords backed an amendment to the Government's schools Bill that supported restricting social media access. However, the Government has signalled its intention to overturn this amendment while it conducts its own formal consultation on the matter, creating a legislative tug-of-war.
Sarwar's Broader Vision for Young People
Anas Sarwar positioned the social media ban as part of a wider policy agenda for youth. "Scottish Labour has long called for a ban on mobile phones in schools, so classrooms can become safe places to learn again – but we need to go further," he declared.
He elaborated on the intended benefits of a full ban: "This will help protect young people from harmful and hateful content online, and it will free them from their phones so they can enjoy these years." Sarwar contrasted this proactive stance with the current Scottish administration, claiming young people "are being failed by a tired and out-of-touch SNP Government."
Looking ahead, he pledged that a future Scottish Labour government under his leadership would enact a three-pronged approach: banning phones in classrooms, fighting for the social media ban, and working to unlock opportunities for every young person.
Government Response and Ongoing Consultation
Responding to the growing pressure, a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology pointed to existing safeguards. "Through the Online Safety Act, we have taken some of the boldest steps anywhere in the world to ensure children have age-appropriate experiences online, mandating that social media companies protect children from harmful content," they stated.
The spokesperson confirmed the Government's commitment to action, noting, "We have consistently said we will take action if needed to ensure children have a healthy relationship with mobile phones and social media." This action is currently taking the form of a launched consultation designed to gather evidence from experts, parents, and young people themselves.
"This isn't a question of whether we will act, but how we will," the spokesperson concluded, indicating that policy development is actively underway. The Scottish Government was also approached for comment on the proposals put forward by the Scottish Labour leader.
