Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signalled a shift in his position on banning social media for young people, telling Labour MPs he is now open to an Australian-style policy. Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party on Monday evening, Starmer said he had become alarmed by reports of five-year-olds spending hours on screens daily and growing concerns about the impact of social media on under-16s.
Starmer had previously opposed such a ban, arguing it would be difficult to enforce and could push teenagers towards the dark web. However, with cross-party support increasing, he told MPs: “We are looking at Australia, there are different ways you can enforce it.” He also reiterated his view that phones should not be allowed in schools.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the apparent U-turn, having announced over the weekend that the Tories would stop under-16s from accessing “addictive” social media. Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also called for “cross-party consensus around much bolder action”. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey expressed openness to studying the Australian experiment.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is reportedly open to the idea, with a final decision expected within months. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted concerns over cyberbullying, body image issues, and the risk of grooming, saying the drivers behind Australia’s decision are also worrying in the UK.
