London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is set to endorse a social media ban for under-16s, calling it “the only way to stem the harms we know are happening right now.” In a speech at SXSW London, he will argue that social media firms should prove their platforms are safe for children before they are sold, similar to regulations for food and pharmaceuticals.
Khan will also announce a £1 million package to support boys and young men in London, warning that online misogyny risks creating “a lost generation of young men.” He will criticise “manosphere influencers” as “snake oil salesmen” who peddle “pound shop misogyny,” and call on tech companies to adjust algorithms that allow misogyny to spread.
The mayor will stress that a ban alone is insufficient, stating: “Rather than just restricting access to social media, we must reimagine it.” He will urge for platforms that prioritise people over profit, where connection does not carry a heavy cost.
Pressure is mounting on the UK government to follow Australia’s lead in raising the age for social media access. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall indicated a ban is “definitely on the table,” after a government consultation received over 100,000 responses, with nine in ten parents supporting a ban for under-16s.
However, critics warn that a ban could push young people into unregulated online spaces and create a false sense of safety. They argue for making platforms safer rather than imposing age restrictions. Early evidence from Australia suggests many children still access social media despite the ban, partly due to flaws in age verification tools.
