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In a pivotal meeting at Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a stern message to the leaders of major social media platforms, stating that the current state of online safety for children is unacceptable. Executives from tech giants including Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, and X gathered to discuss pressing issues surrounding the protection of young users as the government contemplates stricter regulations on social media access for those under 16.
A Call for Change
During the meeting, which included technology secretary Liz Kendall, Starmer expressed his belief that while social media can be made safer, limiting access might be a necessary step to prevent harm. “Things cannot continue like this,” he asserted, reflecting widespread concerns among parents and experts about the detrimental effects of social media on children’s well-being, including their concentration, sleep, and interpersonal relationships.
Notable attendees from the tech industry included Google UK’s managing director Kate Alessi, Meta’s public policy chief Markus Reinisch, and TikTok’s director of public policy for northern Europe, Alistair Law. The prime minister highlighted the growing body of evidence suggesting that the status quo is no longer tenable, stating, “Parents aren’t just asking for minor adjustments; they are questioning whether a system that clearly isn’t working for children should still exist.”
Government’s Stance on Social Media Regulation
This meeting comes in the wake of a recent parliamentary decision to reject calls for a blanket ban on social media for under-16s—a proposal that had garnered support from peers in the House of Lords. Ministers argued that such a ban would be premature as they are already contemplating their own framework for regulation. However, critics, including Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott, have condemned the government’s inaction, claiming that it fails to protect children and aligns the UK with countries that are taking more decisive steps against online harms.
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson echoed this sentiment, urging for immediate action to restrict access to harmful platforms for minors. Recent statistics from the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, reveal that over 60% of underage Australians continue to use social media despite a ban introduced in December 2025, highlighting the challenges of enforcing such restrictions effectively.
The Role of Tech Companies
Experts attending the meeting underscored the necessity for tech companies to take responsibility for the safety of their platforms. Prof Gina Neff from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy remarked that the government is attempting to adopt a proactive stance in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, which often favour US tech firms. Meanwhile, Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, called for concrete action rather than empty promises. He urged Starmer to commit to a new Online Safety Act that prioritises the welfare of children over profit-driven business models.
Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health specialist, emphasised the need to scrutinise the algorithms that govern social media interactions, which have raised alarms among both young users and their parents. She noted the pervasive struggles many face when attempting to disconnect from the online world, underlining the importance of accountability for these companies.
Consultation and Future Steps
The national consultation aimed at gathering public input on potential age restrictions for various online services, including gaming sites and AI chatbots, is set to close on May 26. Downing Street has reported receiving over 45,000 responses from the public, alongside feedback from approximately 80 organisations, including schools and community groups. This extensive consultation process underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the issues surrounding online safety.
Why it Matters
The conversation initiated by Sir Keir Starmer is crucial for the future of children’s safety in the digital landscape. As global awareness of the potential harms associated with social media grows, the UK has a unique opportunity to lead in implementing robust regulations that prioritise the well-being of its youngest citizens. Without decisive action, the risk of children experiencing harm in an unregulated online environment increases, impacting their development and mental health. The outcome of these discussions and subsequent actions could shape the future of online interactions for generations to come.
