Limit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urged
Summary
Campaigners have asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to limit social media access for children under 16 only to apps that meet strong safety rules. They want tech companies to prove their apps are safe before letting young people use them, rather than banning all under-16s from social media.Key Facts
- Groups like NSPCC and Smartphone Free Childhood want safety checks for social media apps used by under-16s.
- They want to stop risky features such as infinite scrolling, disappearing messages, and push notifications for young users.
- Australia restricts app access for under-16s if the app allows social interaction or posting content.
- In the UK, a government consultation is considering new online safety rules, including possible bans or feature restrictions for under-16s.
- Campaigners suggest apps should be reviewed before being allowed for under-16 use, and new features should be checked for safety.
- The Online Safety Act in the UK regulates social media under the watchdog Ofcom.
- Some campaigners want access based on safety as a “privilege earned,” not an automatic right.
- The government says it will act to keep children safe online but hasn’t finalized how yet.
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