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A recent jury decision in Los Angeles has sparked renewed debate over social media’s impact on children, with critics comparing the moment to social media’s equivalent of the “big tobacco moment.” The verdict found that Google and Meta deliberately designed addictive social media platforms, an outcome many view as a pivotal development influencing how governments worldwide might regulate or potentially restrict children’s access to these platforms.
Earlier this month, government ministers highlighted the significant rise in social media usage among children and adolescents, emphasizing the necessity to protect young users online. They acknowledged the challenge facing society in balancing access with safety, noting that the number of children with social media profiles has grown substantially over the past five years. Central to their inquiry is the consideration of establishing a minimum age for social media access, and if so, determining the appropriate age limit.
Following the Los Angeles court ruling, the government quickly confirmed that its consultation was considering a ban on social media use for those under 16, alongside measures to address harmful addictive design features present on these platforms. They pledged a comprehensive approach, stating firmly that “when it comes to children’s safety, nothing is off the table,” with plans to be announced later this summer. The consultation is set to close near the end of May, with a government response expected by the end of July. There is a palpable sense among ministers that the recent court decision strengthens their position in favor of imposing stricter controls on children’s social media use.
Nevertheless, it is currently opposition politicians who are most vocal in advocating for an under-16 ban. In a recent debate over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, members of the House of Lords voted decisively to support an amendment brought forward by a former Conservative schools minister, Lord Nash, intended to compel the government to decide within a year which social media platforms should be off-limits to those under 16. This marks the second occasion the Lords have overridden the government on the issue. Despite earlier rejection by MPs, the Lords’ insistence on this amendment has created a political stalemate.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticised the government’s reluctance to act decisively, saying, “Peers have once again done the right thing and backed a ban on social media for under 16s by a huge margin. It is disappointing that Labour were the only party not to support it. Labour have once again chosen delay over action, with yet another consultation. This falls well short of the scale of the problem and leaves the door open to weak and ineffective measures.”
The prime minister’s stance on the matter is somewhat clear. In a recent public statement, he acknowledged that social media “has become something that is quietly harming our children,” and expressed a desire to “crack down on the addictive elements… the never ending scrolling, that keeps our children hooked on their screens for hours, and stop kids getting around age limits.” However, questions remain about the extent and pace of government intervention: How stringent will the restrictions become? Are the proposed measures sufficient, or might they fall short of addressing the issue effectively?
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