Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
On Thursday, senior executives from major social media platforms, including Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X, will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall at Downing Street. The session aims to address measures ensuring online safety for children and how companies are responding to parental worries. Starmer emphasized the need for social media firms to “step up and take responsibility,” highlighting the urgency of safeguarding young users.
The gathering follows a government-led public consultation on potential restrictions for under-16s, inspired by Australia’s recent social media ban. Downing Street has not disclosed which representatives from each tech firm will attend, but Starmer warned of “stark consequences” if companies fail to act. He stressed the importance of prioritizing children’s safety, stating, “We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first—because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
Political Reactions and Stances
Earlier, UK MPs voted against a proposal to ban social media for under-16s for the second time, despite support from the House of Lords. Ministers argued the measure was premature, citing existing plans to implement their own rules. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision, claiming, “Labour MPs have once again failed parents and children by voting against a ban on social media for under-16s and against removing smartphones from schools. Other countries are waking up to the harms, but under Keir Starmer the UK is falling behind.”
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson urged immediate action, stating, “The time for half-measures is over—we need action now to restrict the most harmful platforms for under-16s.” This debate reflects growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth well-being.
Molly Rose Foundation’s Perspective
Research by the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, revealed that over 60% of underage Australians continue using social media even after a 2025 ban for under-16s. Founded by the family of Molly Russell, who died by suicide at 14 following exposure to self-harm content on platforms like Instagram, the charity opposes a similar UK ban. Andy Burrows, its chief executive, welcomed the Downing Street meeting but cautioned against “hollow promises,” urging Starmer to commit to a new Online Safety Act in the King’s Speech.
“Keir Starmer must turn his welcome rhetoric into action with a clear commitment in the King’s Speech to a new Online Safety Act that finally calls time on cavalier business models that put profit before safety,” said Burrows.
Prof Gina Neff, from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, noted the meeting allows the government to “appear on the front foot” regarding online safety. She added that it strengthens the UK’s stance on digital harms amid shifting geopolitical pressures to accommodate US companies.
Expert Insights on Algorithmic Impact
Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health expert at Cambridge University, highlighted the role of powerful algorithms in keeping young users engaged. “Social media companies’ increasingly powerful algorithms have caused concern across the population, with young people and parents telling us that they experience struggles to disengage from the online world,” she explained.
The national consultation, examining broader age restrictions on services like gaming sites and AI chatbots, will conclude on 26 May. Downing Street reported over 45,000 responses, along with input from around 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
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