The Government has announced a social media ban for under-16s tomorrow
They will be banned from using ten social mediaapps,TikTok,YouTube,Snapchat,Instagram,X,Reddit,Facebook,Twitch,Kick and Threads
It will not in lude messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. YouTube Kids and Google Classroom will also be exempt
*The ban will extend to ‘harmful functions’ such as livestreaming and the ability to contact strangers. It will also apply to gaming sites. Starmer says this will make it ‘world-leading’
The government is also looking at overnight curfews and ‘breaks in infinite scrolling’ for those aged 16 to 18. It plans to set out more detail in July
The ban for under-16s will be enforced through facial recognition, digital IDs, credit cards, open banking, passports, mobile provider checks or email age estimation
Announcing the ban Kier Starmer said
“How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time. As a dad, I know every parent wants their child to grow up safe and happy.
“This is a choice about whose side we’re on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn’t working. People rightly expect action, and this Government will always stand up for parents and put children first.
“That’s why we will call time on a system that’s failing our kids and take bold action to give every child the best possible start in life”
Oldham MP Jim McMahon said:
The proposals to protect young people against harm and exploitation on social media platforms is welcomed.
It has to be accompanied by robust regulation so that social media is a safe place for all users, hate and misinformation is properly dealt with, and we consider a fit and proper person test for platform owners.
