Starmer warns social media firms 'things can't go on like this' as UK government weighs restrictions for under-16s

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told senior executives from Meta, TikTok, Google, and X that "things can't go on like this" during a Downing Street meeting on internet safety, as the government considers imposing new restrictions on platforms, including an Australia-style ban for under-16s, according to reports from multiple outlets.

Coverage comparison

The Guardian has published multiple articles covering the developments from different angles. One report focuses on the prime minister's meeting with tech bosses, quoting Starmer as saying social media "is putting our children at risk" and urging industry cooperation. Another piece highlights Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's statement that the government is "open-minded" about the form of the limits, while a third article emphasises the parliamentary dimension: MPs voted against a Lords amendment that would have banned under-16s from social media for the second time, instead passing a Labour amendment granting the government extra powers after its consultation closes.

Key claims

  • The UK government is considering age or functionality restrictions on social media for under-16s, as confirmed by the education secretary and reported by multiple sources.
  • Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated she is "genuinely open-minded" about the form of the limits, telling Times Radio: "It's not a question of whether we take further action to protect young people, it's the shape of that action."
  • The government has launched a consultation on access for under-16s to social media, gaming sites, and AI chatbots. Measures under consideration include raising the age limit from 13 to 16 and restricting features such as infinite scrolling, according to the Guardian.
  • MPs voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media for the second time, rejecting a Lords amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill. The Commons decided by 256 to 150, a majority of 106, to side with the government's plan, the Guardian reports.
  • Keir Starmer told tech executives during a meeting at No on Thursday morning: "Things can't go on like this, they must change because right now social media is putting our children at risk." He added, "In a world in which children are protected, even if that means access is restricted, that is preferable to a world where harm is the price of participation."
  • The government is under pressure from the House of Lords, campaign groups, parents, and more than 60 of its own backbenchers to take greater action on online harms. John Nash, a Conservative peer, had tabled an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill that would have brought in a default ban.
  • The government's consultation, which closes next month, is considering raising the age limit on social media from 13 to 16 and addressing the addictive nature of platforms by restricting features such as infinite scrolling, as confirmed by junior minister Olivia Bailey during the Commons debate.

Perspectives

Government view

The prime minister stressed the need for change, stating that "the question is not whether it is done, the question is how it is done." No. 10 expects the prime minister to sign up to a ban once the consultation is complete this summer, according to the Guardian. Education Secretary Phillipson has expressed openness to a range of measures, saying the government wants to "keep young people safe online" and reduce harms, especially around the "addictive nature of what young people are exposed to."

Parliamentary

Labour backbenchers and the government have resisted the Lords amendment, preferring to wait for the consultation outcome. Olivia Bailey MP, the government's early education minister, said: "Instead of the narrow amendment proposed in the House of Lords, our consultation allows us to address a much wider range of services and features." Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott said she would "keep fighting until the government offers a ban on social media on the face of the bill."

Campaigners and parents

Parent-led campaign groups have been calling for greater urgency in tackling online harms. Some parents believe social media is addictive and harmful to children, advocating for restrictions or a ban. More than 60 Labour backbenchers recently signed a letter calling for an under-16 ban, the Guardian reports.