Streeting urges social media ban for under-16s
Wes Streeting likened tech companies to the tobacco industry as he called for a ban on social media for under-16s.
The former health minister’s first intervention on the issue since leaving government came before the closure of a public consultation on online safety for young people.
The government’s Thriving in an Online World consultation meeting, which covers measures such as an Australian-style social media ban on under-16s, app curfews and restrictions on addictive features, is finally wrapping up on Tuesday.
Mr Streeting said: “Social media should be treated like tobacco – it is highly addictive, bad for our health and Big Tech is borrowing Big Tobacco’s playbook to avoid regulation.
“We must give our children their childhood back.
“The under-16 ban should be the beginning, not the end.
“We gave the pen to technology giants to write our future for us.
“It’s time to take back the pen.”
Mr Streeting resigned from the Department of Health earlier this month and called for a move to the Prime Minister.
In his resignation speech in the House of Commons last week, the Ilford North MP argued that successive governments were “short-changers”.
“This generation is the first to be fully exposed to the time-sucking algorithms and dangers of social media,” he said, adding that he had raised “concerns about the impact this is having on their learning and well-being.”
As he positions himself to replace Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Streeting has laid out policies including a wealth tax to bring back the New Labour-era Sure Start program and planned reforms to fund council homes to prevent children growing up in temporary accommodation.
There are widespread calls for the UK to follow Australia’s lead on its children’s social media ban, but there are questions about how effective it is.
Ministers announced in April that they would impose “age or functionality restrictions” on social media for under-16s regardless of the outcome of the consultation, with the proposals to be announced by the summer and plans to legislate before the end of the year.
The government’s concession came after pressure from the House of Lords on the issue.
Peers voted four times to pressure the Commons to pass an outright ban, only ending their row with MPs after ministers agreed to the restrictions.
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has also joined calls for a full ban on under-16s, recently asking on The Rest Is Politics podcast: “Why can’t you make that decision when it seems so obvious that that’s what you need to do?”
A Government spokesman said: “Everyone, especially children and young people, should be able to have a positive, safe experience online.
“That’s why we’re consulting on a wide range of measures, from restricting social media access to potential enforcement curfews, to make sure we get the balance right and protect young people from harm.
“We are still seeking input from parents, young people and experts before we take our next steps. More than 70,000 people have already taken part and there is still time for others to share their views before the consultation closes at midnight (on Tuesday).
“We are also taking broader steps to combat online harm. Through the Online Safety Act, platforms must give users greater control over the content they see and provide stronger protection against harmful material.”
