Keir Starmer has summoned senior executives from major social media companies to Downing Street, warning that “looking the other way is not an option” as the government intensifies efforts to tackle online risks facing children.
Representatives from Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X will be attending the high-level meeting, where ministers are expected to demand clearer commitments on how platforms will protect young users from harm.
This meeting comes amid growing concern from parents and educators about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing, including exposure to harmful content, addictive design features, and a lack of accountability from technology firms.
According to UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, the government will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online, adding that, “today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.”
“Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends. The consequences of failing to act are stark. 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.”
Keir Starmer
The meeting takes place midway through the government’s consultation, “Growing Up in the Online World”, which has already received more than 45,000 responses. The consultation is intended to examine a wide range of measures aimed at improving online safety for children, from stricter controls on platform design to broader regulatory reforms.
According to the government, they have heard directly from families about the growing influence of social media on children’s lives, with many calling for stronger safeguards and greater support.
In response, the government has moved to secure legislative powers that would allow it to act quickly once the consultation concludes, with ministers aiming to implement changes within months rather than years.
While some companies have introduced measures such as disabling autoplay for children, strengthening parental controls, and introducing screen time limits, the government argues that these steps do not go far enough.
In addition to outlining the government’s principles and values regarding child protection, the Downing Street discussion is anticipated to center on how platforms can go further in addressing risks and guaranteeing accountability. It will also demand answers from social media companies regarding their efforts to keep kids safe online and address the concerns of families.
Social Media Ban for Under-16s Gains Momentum
UK government’s consultation is increasingly focused on whether to introduce a ban on social media use for children under 16 , a proposal gaining traction amid growing concern over the impact of digital platforms on young people’s mental health and development.
The idea, inspired in part by Australia which became the first country to implement such a restriction, has emerged as one of the most far-reaching options under consideration.
Ministers are examining whether a minimum age threshold, combined with stricter enforcement tools such as age verification systems, could provide a more effective safeguard against online harm.
However, the proposal remains contentious. While some lawmakers and campaigners argue that a ban would send a strong signal to technology companies and offer parents greater protection, others warn it could be difficult to enforce and may drive children toward unregulated or hidden online spaces. Concerns have also been raised about privacy, particularly around the need for more robust identity checks to verify users’ ages.
Legislators in the UK have twice rejected calls for a complete ban, choosing instead to go with a more comprehensive consultation process that takes into account a variety of measures, such as curfews, screen time limits, and limitations on addictive platform features.
But according to Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education minister, “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.” “The UK is lagging behind under Keir Starmer, while other nations are realizing the consequences,” she added.
In spite of this, there is growing pressure to take immediate action, which according to government representatives, no option is off the table.
Complementary measures including restricting infinite scrolling, controlling AI-driven material, and bolstering parental controls are also being investigated during the consultation.
Moreover, several governments across Europe are equally considering implementing age limits and coordinated enforcement measures, such as new verification technology intended to prohibit access by minors and protect young children from the dangers associated with the use of social media.
READ ALSO : Lebanon Files UNSC Complaint Over Israel’s April 8 Bombing
