Health Secretary Wes Streeting has taken a significant step in the push for stricter social media controls by inviting a leading American academic to address UK government officials. The move signals a serious consideration of following Australia's lead in banning access for children under the age of 16.
US Expert to Advise on Landmark Policy
Jonathan Haidt, the bestselling author of Anxious Generation, has been asked to speak at an event with staff, charities, and MPs. Haidt's work argues that the widespread use of smartphones has fuelled a mental health crisis among young people, making him a prominent global advocate for stricter rules. His proposed measures include not only a social media ban for under-16s but also prohibiting smartphones in schools.
This invitation comes directly from Streeting, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding the impact of social media on cognitive development. "Sometimes I feel like my concentration span suffers because of doom scrolling," the Health Secretary recently told the BBC. "I worry about what that means for the development of a generation of children and young people."
Growing Political Consensus for Action
The initiative aligns with a shifting stance from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Previously sceptical about enforcement, Starmer stated on Monday that he was "looking at Australia" and would consider all options for curbing young people's access. He also firmly backed the idea of banning phones in schools, a sentiment echoed across the political spectrum.
This marks a notable change in Westminster, where a consensus appears to be forming. The debate has been intensified by controversies surrounding AI-generated content on platforms like X. In recent days, leaders from the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK have indicated openness to a ban, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to enact one if elected. Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has also expressed support.
Internal Government Divisions and Concerns
Despite the growing momentum, the government is not united on the issue. Ministers are split between enthusiastic supporters and those with significant reservations about implementation and unintended consequences.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is examining the Australian policy but is also heeding warnings from charities like the NSPCC. They caution that an outright ban could drive young people towards the darker corners of the internet and undermine education on responsible use. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy share similar concerns, with Nandy highlighting enforcement challenges. "Are we really saying as a country that we’re going to start prosecuting under-18s for using social media?" she asked last year.
Legislative Pressure and Next Steps
The issue is set to come to a head in Parliament. A Conservative-led amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill, proposing a ban for under-16s, has gained cross-bench support. It is backed by Labour peer Luciana Berger and Liberal Democrat Floella Benjamin.
Senior government sources are concerned that enough Labour peers may vote for or abstain on the amendment, potentially passing it to the House of Commons next week. There, several Labour MPs could join Conservative colleagues in supporting the measure, forcing the government's hand.
As Streeting's officials delve into the details of Australia's ban, the invitation to Jonathan Haidt underscores a pivotal moment in the UK's approach to regulating the digital landscape for its youngest citizens.
