Labour MPs Urge Starmer To Consider Under-16 Social Media Ban

Labour MPs Urge Starmer to Consider Under-16 Social Media Ban
Labour MPs have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to consider banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, amid growing concerns about youth mental health and online safety.
Lawmakers backing the proposal say social media platforms are exposing young users to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive algorithms that can negatively affect wellbeing and development. Supporters of the move argue that stricter age limits could help protect children while wider reforms are introduced to hold technology companies accountable for safeguarding young users. However, critics have questioned how such a ban would be enforced and warned it could raise issues around digital access, education, and personal freedoms.
Downing Street has not confirmed whether the proposal will be adopted, but officials said the government is reviewing measures to strengthen online protections for children and teenagers.
The call adds to growing pressure on the UK government to take tougher action on social media regulation as concerns over youth safety continue to mount.