Inboxes across Westminster are overflowing as a grassroots campaign demanding a ban on social media for children under the age of 16 gains explosive momentum. More than 100,000 people have contacted their local MP in a matter of days, urging the government to follow Australia's lead and impose strict, age-appropriate digital boundaries.
Political Pressure Builds for Child Protection
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that such a radical move is now firmly on the table. When questioned by reporters, Starmer stated the government was watching Australia's recent ban "with interest" and that "all options are on the table" for further protections. He expressed particular concern about screen time for the very young, remarking, "Children are turning up age four at reception having spent far too much time on screens."
The campaign, orchestrated by the group Smartphone Free Childhood, launched an email template on Tuesday evening calling for "reasonable, age-appropriate boundaries." Co-founder Joe Ryrie reported that every MP had been contacted, with some receiving over 1,000 emails from concerned constituents. "Families from every part of the country are just saying the same thing," Ryrie said, highlighting a national consensus on the need to protect children from platforms designed for profit.
Ministers Draw Analogies to Physical Danger
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has consulted with author and ban advocate Jonathan Haidt, offered a stark analogy on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He compared giving a child unrestricted access to a smartphone to leaving a nursery child unattended with a box of nails and a hammer. While acknowledging social media's potential for connection, Streeting warned of the risks, including the "harm of addling the developing mind of young people" and exposure to extreme content.
This marks a potential shift in Starmer's position, who had previously opposed an outright ban over policing difficulties and fears of driving teenagers to the dark web. However, he recently told Labour MPs he would consider all options to curb young people's access.
Legislative Showdown and Opposition to a Ban
The issue is set for a potential parliamentary clash. The House of Lords will vote next week on an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill that would block under-16s from social media. If passed, it would force a binding vote in the Commons within months.
Not all voices support a blanket ban. The youth mental health charity the Molly Rose Foundation argues it "penalises children for tech firms and successive governments’ failures to act." Meanwhile, a government spokesperson pointed to the existing Online Safety Act, stating, "A social media ban is not our current policy but we keep all options under review... We are striking the right balance."
The campaign's surge follows controversy over AI misuse and comes after Australia's implementation of its own ban, which saw 4.7 million accounts believed to belong to minors removed in its first days.
