Pressure mounts on Keir Starmer over calls to ban social media for under-16s in the UK
Pressure is building on Keir Starmer after more than 60 Members of Parliament from the Labour Party publicly called for a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. The MPs argue that existing voluntary measures by platforms are insufficient to protect young people online and that firmer regulation is now required.
More than 60 Labour MPs are urging tougher rules on children’s access to social media, increasing pressure on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer to consider a ban for under-16s.
Growing concern
The group of signatories spans Labour’s internal spectrum, including senior figures and former frontbenchers. Their intervention signals broad concern within the party about the effects of social media on children’s well-being, education, and mental health. Supporters of the proposal say the issue has moved beyond partisan lines and reflects a wider societal debate about how digital platforms shape young people’s lives.
MPs backing the ban argue that children are being exposed to harmful content and design practices that exploit attention and engagement, with long-term consequences that are not yet fully understood. In their view, stronger legal limits would shift responsibility away from families alone and place clearer obligations on technology companies.
Australia as a reference point
Advocates of a UK ban point to Australia, which recently introduced restrictions on social media access for under-16s. They suggest that the Australian experience could provide early evidence on whether age-based bans are effective in reducing online harm, and argue that the UK should be prepared to act rather than wait for years of further study.
Starmer’s cautious stance
Starmer is understood to be taking a more cautious approach. Rather than immediately endorsing new legislation, he has indicated a preference for assessing the impact of Australia’s policy before committing to a similar path in the UK. This position reflects concerns about enforceability, unintended consequences, and the risk of pushing young users toward less regulated online spaces.
The issue is set to gain urgency as members of the House of Lords prepare to vote on related proposals in the coming days.
