Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media for under-16s in the UK, a move welcomed by bereaved parents who blame the platforms for their children's deaths. The ban, set to be enacted by next spring, would prevent teenagers from using services like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat have criticised the ban, arguing it will push young people towards less regulated platforms. A Meta spokesperson said: 'Bans risk isolating teens from online communities and information, and driving them to unregulated alternatives.' YouTube warned that 'blanket bans push kids out of curated, supervised experiences and towards anonymous, less-safe services.'
Starmer announced the ban at a Downing Street press conference, despite previous scepticism. He said: '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.' He argued the ban was not anti-tech, stating: 'I do not accept that you can’t be both pro tech and AI, and at the same time say we must protect our children.'
The plan goes further than Australia's ban, including restrictions on gaming apps and a ban on romantic chatbots for under-18s. Under-16s will be blocked from downloading major platforms and from livestreaming. Starmer acknowledged the ban is not cost-free but said: 'A total ban is the right choice.'
Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, welcomed the ban, saying it would 'potentially save so many children’s lives.' Starmer thanked campaigners, including parents who had lost children, and said: 'I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.'
