Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up whether to implement an Australian-style prohibition on social media use for children below 16.
The Prime Minister had previously said he was “personally” against the kind of blanket restriction introduced by Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese this month.
However, Downing Street is now said to be “closely monitoring” the ground-breaking legislation in Australia, which covers major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X.
Talks between the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall are believed to be underway regarding the possibility of bringing in the ban should Australia’s approach prove successful, though sources indicate any decision remains distant.
Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up whether to implement an Australian-style prohibition on social media use for children below 16
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A Government spokesman stated: “We understand parents’ concerns about the impact of social media on children, which is why we’ve taken some of the boldest steps globally to ensure online content is genuinely age-appropriate.”
The spokesman added: “It’s important we protect children while letting them benefit safely from the digital world, without cutting off essential services or isolating the most vulnerable.”
Officials emphasised that the Government is keeping a close watch on Australia’s age restriction framework, stressing that “when it comes to children’s safety, nothing is off the table, but any action must be based on robust evidence”.
“For that reason, there are no current plans to introduce a blanket ban on smartphones or social media for children.”
Downing Street is now said to be ‘closely monitoring’ the ground-breaking legislation in Australia, which covers a host of major platforms
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged ministers to adopt a far more radical stance on protecting young people online.
Speaking to The Observer on Sunday, he argued that social media platforms had become spaces rife with “bullying, intimidation, sometimes misogyny, even radicalisation”.
Mr Streeting added: “I think about how difficult it was when I was a teenager to sneak myself into a 15 or 18 film at a cinema.
“Nowadays kids are able to access the most extreme content.”
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Wes Streeting has urged ministers to adopt a far more radical stance
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The Health Secretary described social media as having transformed into “anti-social media” and expressed interest in Australia’s pioneering approach.
“That’s why I think what Australia’s doing is interesting and we should follow the results closely and see if that’s something we should consider doing here,” he said.
Ms Kendall has insisted that she would make policy decisions grounded in evidence.
Appearing before a Commons select committee earlier this month, she indicated she did not support an outright prohibition on mobile phone ownership for those under 16.
Ms Kendall has insisted that she would make policy decisions grounded in evidence
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“I am not currently in favour of a ban on smartphones until 16,” she stated, adding concerns about chatbots and sleep disruption while questioning how young people would cope if denied all access until that age.
Labour backbencher Fred Thomas, who has championed restrictions on social media accounts for under-16s since entering Parliament last year, called on ministers to take swift action.
“We all know it’s deeply harmful for their development.
“Every time I speak to teachers, parents and kids they’re unanimous. Just look at the shocking rise in anxiety and mental health problems in children.”
