Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined ITV's This Morning on Monday (June 15) to discuss his announcement of a social media ban for under-16s, but faced tough questions from host Ben Shephard.
Ban Details and Timeline
Starmer revealed that the restriction will be implemented from Spring 2027 and will cover platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The policy has divided public opinion.
During the interview, Ben Shephard pointed out that the Prime Minister had previously opposed such a measure. Noting the shift in position, Shephard asked what had influenced Starmer to reconsider his stance.
Starmer's Explanation
The Prime Minister responded: "Well, I tried to approach this with an open mind. We went through a consultation, which was also a conversation, and we looked at what happened in other countries."
He added: "I spent quite a lot of time with parents of those who had lost, usually teenage boys and girls, because of social media. I'm absolutely clear that a ban is the right thing."
Starmer stated: "Clear and decisive, under-16s are banned from social media. I think that will come as a huge relief for parents because all parents want their children to be happy and safe."
Criticism Over Tech Firms
The Prime Minister noted that alongside the prohibition, the Government is examining how to address specific features such as live streaming and interaction with unknown individuals online. However, Shephard interrupted, saying: "The thing, though, Prime Minister, is you're letting the tech firms off."
He continued: "By dealing with the content and making them take the content down, it wouldn't be there in the first place. By the time the children turn 16, they can still access adult content, they can still see these harmful images. Why are you not putting more pressure on the tech firms to remove the content?"
Starmer answered that safeguards need to exist for those aged between 16 and 17, explaining that the provisions relate to live streaming and stranger engagement.
VPN Concerns
Shephard also pointed out that under-16s will find methods to circumvent social media restrictions, particularly through using VPNs. The Prime Minister revealed: "We looked at that, when we were dealing with pornography in under-18s, we looked at that. There was a short spike in people using VPNs in that way, but actually it then dropped off."
This Morning is available to watch on ITV weekdays from 10am.
