A rushed under-16s social media ban in the UK could unravel, leaving families to count the cost, according to a leading child safety charity. The Molly Rose Foundation (MRF) warned that an age limit on tech platforms could fail after reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to announce a ban on under-16s accessing 'harmful' social media apps.
Uncertainty Over Which Apps Would Be Banned
It remains unclear which apps would fall under the ban, but a similar blanket ban in Australia covers major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Snapchat. The MRF, founded by the family of Molly Russell—a British teenager who died after viewing harmful content on Instagram and Pinterest—argued that a ban would not keep children safer, as they could bypass age checks and move to less regulated areas like gaming.
Andy Burrows, MRF’s chief executive, stated that a 'rushed' ban would 'quickly unravel' and lacks evidence. 'Parents want decisive action that works,' he said. 'If Starmer prioritises short-term announcements over expert advice, children and parents will suffer, and child protection will regress.'
Political Timing and Consultation
The Times reported that the government plans to announce the ban before the Makerfield byelection on 18 June, where Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a Labour candidate, has threatened to challenge Starmer for party leadership if he wins. A consultation on children’s online safety, including the under-16s ban, closed last week, but the government is eager to act quickly.
If implemented, the UK ban would differ from Australia’s, which targets services enabling social interaction and user posting, sweeping up many apps. The UK is also consulting on age restrictions for features like infinite scrolling and AI chatbots.
Alternative Approach Proposed
The MRF suggests setting strict safety standards for apps, such as curbing personalised algorithms that shape teens’ content, before imposing bans only after non-compliance. This approach, they say, gives apps a chance to improve. The charity has received funding from Meta, Instagram’s owner, after legal proceedings following Molly’s death.
Crossbench peer Beeban Kidron criticised the reported proposal as a 'non-ban ban,' accusing ministers of soft-pedalling safety after requiring Apple and Google to install anti-nudity software within three months. 'Tech companies prioritise profit over safety,' she said. 'This government is soft on tech and harm.'
Labour MP Fred Thomas, who led a letter urging Starmer to back a ban, said: 'Evidence supports bold action to protect children. Agility is needed as platforms evolve.' However, some Labour MPs express frustration, with one stating: 'They should just implement the ban. They can’t keep delaying.'
