Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
On Thursday, top executives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street. The session will focus on the measures these companies are taking to safeguard children online and address parental worries. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is set to lead the discussion, emphasizing the need for accountability in digital platforms.
Public consultation on social media bans for under-16s
The meeting occurs as the UK government advances a public consultation on restricting social media access for those under 16. This initiative follows similar policies in Australia, where a ban on platforms for minors was implemented in December 2025. Downing Street has not yet specified which representatives will attend from each tech firm.
“The consequences of failing to act are stark,” said Starmer. “We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
Political debate and proposed actions
UK MPs recently rejected a proposal to ban social media for under-16s, marking the second time they have done so. The decision aligns with ministers’ argument that the ban is premature, as the government is already exploring its own regulatory framework. However, Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, criticized the move, stating, “Labour MPs have once again failed parents and children by voting against a ban on social media for under-16s and against removing smartphones from schools.”
Munira Wilson, a Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, argued that half-measures are no longer sufficient. “We need action now to restrict the most harmful platforms for under-16s,” she added.
Research and advocacy on digital harms
A recent study by the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, revealed that over 60% of Australian minors still use social media despite the 2025 ban. Founded by the family of Molly Russell, who died by suicide at 14 after exposure to self-harm content on platforms like Instagram, the organization has campaigned against a similar UK ban.
“Keir Starmer must turn his welcome rhetoric into action with a clear commitment in the King’s Speech to a new Online Safety Act that finally calls time on cavalier business models that put profit before safety,” said Andy Burrows, chief executive of Molly Rose Foundation.
Prof Gina Neff, from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, noted that the government’s move appears proactive. “This is also letting the government stay strong on online harms in a moment where there’s been changing geopolitical pressures on the government to be easy on US companies,” she explained.
Consultation progress and next steps
The national consultation, which also examines age limits for gaming sites and AI chatbots, will conclude on 26 May. Downing Street reported over 45,000 responses, along with support from approximately 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health expert at Cambridge University, highlighted the importance of holding platforms accountable. “Social media companies’ increasingly powerful algorithms have caused concern across the population, with young people and parents telling us that they experience struggles to disengage from the online world,” she said.
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