Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has conceded his government must 'do more' to protect children online, as a significant rebellion within his own party demands an Australian-style ban on under-16s using social media platforms.
Mounting Pressure from Within Labour Ranks
A letter signed by 61 Labour MPs, spearheaded by Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas, has been delivered to Downing Street. The signatories, which include veteran parliamentarians like Graham Stringer and Richard Burgon, argue that 'harmful, addictive' content on platforms is causing clear damage to young people's mental health.
The MPs warn that with nations including Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand, and Greece likely to follow Australia's lead, 'Britain risks being left behind'. They advocate for a model where the onus falls on technology companies to block access for users under 16.
Starmer's Cautious Stance and Broader Concerns
When questioned at a Downing Street press conference, Sir Keir stated, 'On the question of social media more broadly, I think we need to do more to protect children. And that's why we're looking at a range of options and saying that no options are off the table.'
He confirmed the government is examining the Australian approach, a topic he has discussed with the Australian Prime Minister. However, the Prime Minister broadened the scope of his concerns, highlighting a particular worry about screen time for children under five and its impact on school readiness.
This marks a subtle shift from his position just last month, when he told the Observer he was not personally in favour of a blanket ban, emphasising content control instead.
Cross-Party Support and Vocal Opposition
The push for a ban has found unlikely allies, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also backing the measure. This week, the House of Lords is expected to vote on an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, tabled by former Tory education minister Lord Nash, which would implement a ban.
However, the proposal faces strong opposition from bereaved families and experts. Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life after viewing harmful content online, has warned against 'hasty, non-evidence based decisions'. Alongside 40 charities and doctors, he argued that bans could drive vulnerable young people towards more dangerous, unregulated corners of the internet.
Instead, Mr Russell called for better enforcement of existing laws rather than 'sledgehammer techniques like bans'.
The Data Driving the Debate
The MPs' letter cites alarming statistics to bolster their case. They point to research indicating that over 500 children a day are now referred for anxiety treatment in England. Furthermore, they highlight studies showing that moving from zero to five hours of daily social media access doubles depression rates in boys and trebles them in girls.
The average 12-year-old now spends 29 hours a week on a smartphone, much of it on platforms 'rife with harmful content', the letter states. The amendment in the Lords is jointly sponsored by peers including former children's TV presenter Baroness Benjamin (Lib Dem) and paediatrician Baroness Cass (Independent).
With the Health Secretary Wes Streeting openly 'in favour of action', and significant backbench pressure, the Prime Minister faces a critical policy decision that pits child safety concerns against warnings of unintended consequences.
