I am pleased to support the Government’s plans to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s. This is a decisive and necessary step to safeguard our children and to give them back the childhoods they deserve.
I know from the many parents in Broxtowe who have contacted me about this issue that this is a huge concern for parents. Consistently parents, families and young people themselves have raised with me that social media puts children at risk. Whether it’s the impact on mental health and development, or cyberbullying and exploitation, it is clear that the Government must take urgent action to address the harms of social media.
I am proud that this Government has listened and is responding with action that matches the scale of the challenge. These proposals are about setting a new normal for future generations.
By adopting a model similar to that used in Australia, the Government will ensure that major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X are no longer able to offer their services to under-16s.
The Government is also cracking down on social media features that cause harm. This includes putting restrictions on livestreaming, on strangers contacting children, and on addictive design elements like infinite scrolling.
This is about putting children first. Labour are backing parents, who are too often left to manage these risks alone, and giving them clarity about what is safe and age-appropriate. We are recognising that childhood should be a time for learning and growth, free from the pressures and dangers of the unregulated digital environment.
This Government is determined to give children the freedom to be children again.
This means not just restricting access to harmful social media, but rebuilding access to youth services, sports, nature, arts and culture that were cut under Tory austerity.
Labour is determined to break down barriers to opportunity and give every young person the chance to thrive.