Bereaved parents are urging Keir Starmer to take immediate action on social media after MPs rejected a proposal to ban under 16s from using online platforms. The Prime Minister has called tech giants to Downing Street, stressing that ignoring the issue is not an option.
During the meeting, the PM will seek updates on efforts to address online harms from top executives at Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, Google (owner of YouTube), TikTok, and X. Starmer emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety, stating that failure to act could have severe consequences.
Despite the pressure from parents whose children’s deaths are linked to social media, the Government has faced criticism for its lack of decisive action. The PM is under increasing pressure to implement a social media ban for under 16s, with a second vote scheduled in the Commons following a previous rejection of the proposal.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey defended the Government’s stance, highlighting that they are currently consulting on various online safety measures, including potential social media bans and restrictions on addictive features in apps. The Government aims to ensure swift action following the consultation period.
Ellen Roome and other bereaved parents delivered a letter to No10, urging urgent action and expressing concerns about the impact of social media on children. They emphasized the need for legislative changes and pointed to actions taken by other countries like Australia and Spain to restrict social media access for under 16s.
Keir Starmer reassured parents of his commitment to children’s online safety and called on social media companies to take responsibility. Meanwhile, online safety charities and some bereaved parents caution against rushing into a ban, advocating for a more nuanced approach to regulating social media to address online harms effectively.