Wes Streeting has compared social media to tobacco amid growing calls for a ban on under-16s accessing platforms. The former Health Secretary suggested that social media is as detrimental to children's health as smoking, accusing tech companies of following the tobacco industry's playbook to evade regulation.
Government Consultation Nears End
The government's online safety consultation closes tonight, with options including an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s, app curfews, and limits on addictive features. Streeting's intervention comes after his resignation and pledge to stand in any leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer, despite the Prime Minister insisting he will not step down.
Streeting's Strong Words
Streeting stated: "Social media should be treated like tobacco – it's extremely addictive, bad for our health, and Big Tech is borrowing the Big Tobacco playbook to avoid regulation. We've got to give our children their childhood back. A ban for under-16s must be the start, not the end."
His comments align with a report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which ranks social media and smartphone use alongside smoking and seatbelt wearing as a unifying concern for the medical profession. Doctors report seeing a "wave of radicalised children" from exposure to harmful content.
Political Pressure Mounts
The Labour Party chair urged the government to "seize this moment," telling Times Radio: "The consultation closes today and it is really important as a Government that we seize this moment, we get it right." Families who have lost relatives to online harm are set to meet Keir Starmer on Tuesday to urge action.
Ellen Roome, whose 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died after a TikTok challenge, said: "I have spent the years since fighting global technology companies just to understand the last days of his life. No parent should have to do that."
Australia-Style Ban Considered
Calls for the UK to follow Australia's lead on a prohibition have grown, though questions remain about its effectiveness. The government is not expected to announce plans until after the consultation ends, but has already taken legal powers to make swift changes if needed.
