Keir Starmer Declares War on Addictive Social Media Apps to Protect Children
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning that the next generation "won't forgive" the Government if it fails to tackle the "wild west" of social media, as he vows to curb addictive apps targeting young people. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror, Starmer described a landmark US ruling against tech giants as a "turning point" in online child protection.
US Ruling Marks a Turning Point
Starmer pointed to a recent Los Angeles jury decision, where Meta and Google were found to have intentionally built addictive platforms that harmed a 20-year-old woman's mental health, resulting in $6 million in damages. "I do think the ruling is a bit of a turning point, to be honest. I think it's the beginning of a different approach," he said, emphasizing the need for stricter content restrictions.
The Prime Minister was speaking during a visit to Rosendale Primary School in south London, where he announced new Government guidance on screen time. He argued that addictive algorithms, designed to keep children hooked, should not be permitted. "This is the platforms trying to get children to stay on for longer, to get addicted. I can't see that there's a case for that, and therefore I can see we're going to have to act," Starmer stated.
Consultation on Social Media Restrictions
The Government is currently consulting on potential measures to protect children online, which could include:
- An outright ban on social media for certain age groups
- Time limits on app usage
- Overnight curfews
- Restrictions on addictive design features like 'streaks' and 'infinite scrolling'
Starmer expressed openness to an Australia-style ban for under-16s, noting that Spain has recently made similar plans. "I'm more open minded on a ban. I think there are powerful arguments either way, but I do think it's important we go through the consultation and get the balance right," he said.
Keeping Pace with Technology
Highlighting the rapid evolution of technology, Starmer warned that the Government cannot "stumble to keep up." He cited the example of chatbots, which emerged after the Online Safety Act was debated, necessitating legal changes. Ministers have already taken legal powers to make speedy adjustments, and Tech Secretary Liz Kendall has proposed annual updates akin to Budget reviews to address innovations like AI.
"We have to have a way of keeping up, because the technology is moving really fast," Starmer explained. "AI will feature in this, and AI, as everybody knows, is developing exponentially, and therefore we're going to have to think of a device of whether it's rolling provisions or something like that."
New Screen Time Guidance
Alongside the social media crackdown, the Government has published landmark guidance on screen time for young children:
- Children aged two to five should limit screen use to one hour per day
- Screens should be avoided during mealtimes and before bedtime
- Children under two should avoid TVs or iPads unless it promotes real-life bonding
Starmer concluded with a firm commitment: "We'll go through the consultation, but I think I'll be absolutely clear things will not stay as they are. This is going to change. I don't think the next generation would forgive us if we didn't act now."
