More than 60 Labour MPs urge PM to ban social media for under-16s

Over 60 Labour MPs Urge Prime Minister to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

More than 60 Labour MPs have called on the Prime Minister to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. In a letter sent to Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday, the 61 signatories argued that successive governments have done too little to shield young people from the harms of unregulated, addictive social media platforms.

The MPs urged the Prime Minister to follow the example of Australia, which passed legislation for a similar ban in December. Several other nations are also believed to be considering such measures. Sir Keir has not ruled out a ban, stating that "all options are on the table."

Legislative Pressure in the House of Lords

This week, the House of Lords is set to vote on a cross-party bill aimed at introducing an Australia-style ban to the United Kingdom. The bill has received high-profile support from:

• Baroness Benjamin: Liberal Democrat peer and former children's television presenter.

• Lord Nash: Conservative former Education Minister.

• Baroness Berger: Labour peer.

• Baroness Cass: Independent crossbench peer.

Separately, the Liberal Democrats have proposed a bill featuring film-style age ratings. This would restrict access to specific platforms based on the nature of the content they host.

Concerns for Children's Wellbeing

According to the letter—which includes signatures from several committee chairs and former frontbenchers—many constituents have contacted their MPs to express concerns regarding the impact of social media on the youth.

"Across our constituencies, we hear the same message: children are anxious, dissatisfied, and unable to concentrate on learning. They are failing to build the social skills necessary to thrive, and they lack the knowledge required to prepare them for adulthood."

The MPs noted that governments worldwide are recognising the severity of this crisis. They pointed out that while Australia has already acted, countries such as Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand, and Greece are likely to follow suit. The letter warned that the UK "risks being left behind" on this issue.

The letter was reportedly coordinated by Fred Thomas, the MP for Plymouth Moor View, and signed by figures including Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Select Committee, and Richard Burgon, a former shadow cabinet minister.

Political and Charitable Reactions

The debate has gained momentum across the political spectrum. Last week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she would introduce an under-16s ban if her party wins the next general election.

Under the Liberal Democrats’ "sophisticated" proposal, platforms featuring graphic violence or pornography would be restricted, while others with inappropriate content would become adult-only. Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, described this as a way to ensure children can enjoy the benefits of the internet while remaining "shielded from the addictive content of certain platforms."

Expert Opposition

However, the proposal faces significant pushback from online safety organisations and children's charities. On Saturday, 42 organisations—including the NSPCC, Childnet, and the Molly Rose Foundation—issued a joint statement arguing that a blanket ban is not the right approach.

They warned that a ban would provide a "false sense of security" and could inadvertently drive risks underground. Instead, they advised that:

1. Existing legislation should be strictly enforced to ensure children under 13 cannot access social media, online games, or AI chatbots.

2. Evidence-based restrictions should be applied to features deemed inappropriate for various age groups.

Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly died in 2017 following exposure to harmful online content, spoke out against "sledgehammer techniques." Speaking to the BBC’s Newscast, the founder of the Molly Rose Foundation warned that a total prohibition could have unintended consequences and "cause more problems than it solves."