In a bid to enhance online safety for young users, prominent campaigners, including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation, are urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to implement stricter safety standards for social media platforms rather than enforcing a sweeping ban on access for under-16s. This fresh wave of advocacy comes ahead of a crucial government consultation on potential online safety measures, highlighting the need for a balanced approach towards protecting teenagers in the digital landscape.
Focus on Risky Features, Not a Blanket Ban
The advocacy groups argue against a one-size-fits-all restriction that would bar teenagers from all social media. Instead, they propose that only platforms with “risky” features—such as infinite scrolling, disappearing messages, and push notifications—should be off-limits to this age group. In a letter addressed to Starmer, they emphasised the need for a nuanced conversation about online safety, stating, “a binary debate between banning children from social media or not can oversimplify what is a complex issue.”
The group believes that technology companies should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of their services, suggesting that their ability to offer accounts to users under 16 should hinge on demonstrating compliance with rigorous safety standards.
Learning from Global Practices
Looking to Australia as a model, the campaigners pointed out that access to social media apps, including Instagram and TikTok, is already restricted for under-16s in that country. Access limitations there are based on whether a platform facilitates social interaction and content posting. The UK campaigners are advocating for a similar framework that prioritises safety over age restrictions, allowing teenagers to engage with online platforms that meet specific safety criteria.
As the UK government prepares to close its consultation on new online safety policies, the advocates are pushing for thorough vetting of applications intended for under-16 users. They propose that any new features introduced should undergo safety assessments prior to launch. The Online Safety Act, which governs social media regulation in the UK, is overseen by the communications regulator, Ofcom.
Unifying Voices for Change
The letter from the campaigners aims to consolidate various positions on the issue of age restrictions. Although the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation have refrained from endorsing a formal age limit—warning that it could create a “safety cliff edge” for teenagers—other organisations like Smartphone Free Childhood are advocating for a clear threshold to restrict access for those under 16.
Joe Ryrie, director of Smartphone Free Childhood, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “What’s so significant about this moment is that organisations across civil society are aligning around a simple principle: access to our children should be treated as a privilege that must be earned, not an automatic right.” This alignment signals a growing consensus on the importance of safeguarding young users in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation—formed by the family of Molly Russell, a teenager who tragically took her life after encountering harmful online content—underlined the necessity for safe app design as a foundational requirement for tech companies operating in the UK. The letter also garnered support from various groups, including the Future of Technology Institute and the People vs Big Tech coalition.
A government spokesperson has indicated that ministers are committed to enhancing the safety of children online, stating, “It is not a question of whether we will act, but how.”
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about digital safety for young people. By advocating for targeted restrictions based on risk rather than a blanket ban, campaigners are striving to create a safer online environment for teenagers while preserving their access to beneficial platforms. The outcome of this consultation could set a significant precedent not just in the UK, but also influence global approaches to online safety for minors—ensuring that as technology evolves, the protection of young users remains a top priority.
