In a bold move, over 60 Labour MPs have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister, calling for the implementation of an Australia-style social media ban for children under the age of 16. The letter, spearheaded by Plymouth Moor MP Fred Thomas, argues that urgent action is needed to “protect young people from the consequences of unregulated, addictive social media platforms”.
The MPs assert that across their constituencies, they have heard a common refrain: children are anxious, unhappy, and struggling to focus on their studies. They believe that without the necessary social skills and life experiences, young people are ill-equipped to navigate the challenges of adulthood. The letter states that Britain risks being “left behind” if it fails to take decisive steps to address this pressing issue.
Notably, the letter calls for the onus to be placed on technology companies, rather than parents, to prevent underage access to these platforms. “We all know the harms social media causes to young people’s mental health,” Thomas wrote in a post on X, the social media platform.
The move comes on the heels of comments made by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who stated that “all options are on the table” regarding the possibility of an Australia-style social media ban during a visit to Scotland. Starmer acknowledged the need to “better-protect children from social media”, indicating that the party is actively exploring various measures to address this growing concern.
Interestingly, the letter cites “strong public support” for these measures, suggesting that the issue has resonated with the electorate. Furthermore, the MPs claim that young people themselves recognise the potential harm caused by social media platforms.
However, the proposal has faced some pushback from prominent online safety and children’s charities. In a letter published on Saturday, the NSPCC, Childnet, and the Molly Rose Foundation warned that a blanket ban would “create a false sense of safety” and could potentially drive children and predators to less regulated corners of the internet.
As the debate continues, the Labour MPs’ call for an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s has undoubtedly ignited a heated discussion around the balance between protecting young people’s mental health and the practical implications of such a measure.
