Green Party reaction to social media ban for under-16s

Reacting to the announcement by Keir Starmer of a ban from social media for under-16s, a Green Party spokesperson said:

“The Green Party welcomes action to address the harms social media can cause to young people. The impact on mental health and online safety is well documented as is the huge concern among parents, teachers and many young people themselves. Stronger safeguards are clearly needed. We also need to guard against potentially more dangerous platforms setting up.

“However, organisations including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation have warned that a blanket ban could leave some young people, particularly disabled and LGBTQIA people, more isolated and cut off from support. We also need to see real investment in youth services and creative activities for young people to fill the void that will be created by this ban.

“Social media companies that profit from addictive algorithms targeted at children must not be let off the hook. We need stronger regulation, better digital safety education, and tougher action to hold these platforms and their billionaire owners accountable.”