Ellen Roome, whose 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died in what she believes was a TikTok challenge gone wrong, has called on the government to impose a social media ban for under-16s. She accused Downing Street of being too slow and 'kicking it down the road' as a consultation on the issue closes this week.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Roome said: 'Come on, get a grip, let's actually stand up, do something, make a decision. I don't care if they take it away for adults and children until it's safe, just take it away, fix it, and then we can give it back.' She argued that tech companies should spend money on making platforms safe before allowing access.
Roome is among families meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday. Labour Party chair Anna Turley said the government would 'seize this moment' but defended the consultation period, stating: 'We need to make sure that legislation and protection keeps pace with technology as it changes.'
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who compared social media to tobacco, blamed tech companies for designing addictive products. 'They know that it is harmful, and the business model is orientated towards getting kids while they're young, addicting them,' he said, citing evidence of harm to sleep, concentration, learning, and mental health.
Streeting, who made similar arguments in cabinet, pointed to Australia's ban for under-16s as evidence that it prevents harm even if some children circumvent it. 'If it's working for half of children, that's better than it not working for any children at all,' he said.
Ministers have run a 12-week consultation on following Australia's example. Other measures under consideration include age limits on features like livestreaming and infinite scrolling, curbs on personalised algorithms, and mandatory screen curfews.
