Time to look at banning under-16s from social media, says Streeting

"Health Secretary Wes Streeting has backed calls for a debate on banning under 16-year-olds from social media. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said the government had to "get the balance right" and "protect young people from the harm". In December, Australia introduced a law requiring social media platforms to block under-16s from having accounts with their sites and privately, many Labour MPs and officials have said they expect that the UK government to follow their example."

"Last week, the Conservatives announced they would block under-16s from social media platforms, as well as prohibiting smartphones in schools, if they won the next election. Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch said "addictive" social media apps "correlates quite strongly" with a rise in mental health problems among young people. Labour Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he agrees with "a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying" on social media use."

"Earlier this week, Meta announced it had blocked about 500,000 accounts on its sites including Facebook and Instagram during its first week of compliance with the new law in Australia. The UK government has said it will be monitoring how the Australian ban works. Some Labour MPs and officials have privately expressed frustration that Badenoch and Burnham have been able to get ahead of the government on the issue."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting backed calls for a debate on banning under-16s from social media, urging the government to "get the balance right" and "protect young people from the harm". Australia enacted a law in December requiring platforms to block under-16s, and several Labour figures expect the UK to follow. The House of Lords will vote on ban proposals next week, which could increase pressure on ministers. The Conservatives pledged to block under-16s from social media and ban smartphones in schools if elected. Kemi Badenoch linked "addictive" apps to rising youth mental health problems, with Andy Burnham expressing agreement. Meta reported blocking about 500,000 accounts during its first week of compliance, and the UK will monitor the Australian approach while some Labour officials voice frustration at being outpaced on the issue.

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