A recent poll conducted for The Mirror reveals that a majority of adults, specifically two-thirds, support the idea of implementing a social media ban for individuals under the age of 16. The pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer to address concerns regarding online risks faced by children who have unrestricted access to various platforms on their devices. The poll conducted by Deltapoll indicates a rise in support for the ban, with 66% of adults backing the initiative compared to 64% in a previous poll by The Mirror in December.
Interestingly, women show slightly higher support for the ban at 68% compared to 63% among men. The survey also highlights that a significant percentage of Labour and Conservative voters, 67% and 77% respectively, are in favor of the ban. Surprisingly, 58% of Reform UK voters also support the ban, despite Nigel Farage advocating against online safety laws for children.
The Government is cautious about rushing into a complete social media ban and has instead initiated a consultation on various online safety measures. These measures include not only a potential ban for under 16s but also the possibility of implementing overnight curfews or app usage restrictions. Additionally, the consultation aims to strengthen age verification protocols by limiting children’s access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that enable them to bypass existing rules. Over 60,000 individuals have already participated in the consultation, which is set to conclude in the summer.
Amidst growing concerns, some parents and activists emphasize the urgency of taking action without further delay, citing the known risks associated with unrestricted online access for children. However, there are also apprehensions that a blanket ban could drive young individuals towards more dangerous online spaces.
The push for action from the Government has intensified following Australia’s recent ban on social media for under 16s, which went into effect in December. Similarly, countries like Spain and Greece have hinted at similar measures. In response to calls from the House of Lords to implement a social media ban for under 16s, Education Minister Olivia Bailey has pledged to introduce some form of age or functionality restrictions.
Early findings from Australia’s ban indicate that children are finding ways to bypass restrictions, with a significant number still accessing restricted platforms. Similarly, studies in the UK have shown that children circumvent age verification checks through various means, including providing false information and sharing accounts.
Regulatory authorities, such as Ofcom, have mandated social media platforms to enforce stringent age verification processes using technologies like credit card checks and facial recognition. Despite these efforts, most platforms still allow children aged 13 and above to create accounts.
Ellen Roome, a mother who lost her son due to online-related issues, strongly advocates for raising the minimum age for accessing harmful social media platforms to 16. She emphasizes the need to prioritize children’s safety and development during critical stages of their lives. In contrast, Andy Burrows from the Molly Rose Foundation warns against solely relying on a ban, calling for comprehensive laws that compel tech companies to prioritize child safety and wellbeing.
A Government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring a healthy relationship between children and social media. The ongoing consultation seeks to explore various options, including age restrictions and safer platform designs, to address the concerns raised by parents and children. The spokesperson highlighted that new legal powers have been acquired through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act to expedite necessary actions following the consultation.
