Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he is open to an Australian-style ban on social media for young people, telling Labour MPs he is increasingly worried about the amount of time children spend on their phones and the harm caused by online platforms.
Speaking at a parliamentary Labour party meeting on Monday evening, the prime minister said reports of five-year-olds spending hours on screens had alarmed him. He also voiced growing concern about the impact of social media on under-16s.
Starmer has previously resisted the idea of a ban, arguing it would be hard to enforce and might push teenagers towards the dark web. However, with cross-party support building, he told MPs his view had shifted.
“We are looking at Australia, there are different ways you can enforce it,” he said. He also addressed phone use in schools, adding: “No one thinks you should have phones in schools.”
One minister present said the comments marked a clear change in tone, adding that Starmer appeared willing to consider all options.
Last year the government opposed proposals in a private member’s bill from Labour MP Josh MacAlister. The bill sought to restrict social media algorithms for young teenagers, review the sale of smartphones to under-16s and introduce stronger safeguards on devices.
Since then, Australia has introduced its own ban, while support for similar measures has grown at Westminster. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party would block under-16s from accessing addictive social media, while Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has called for a cross-party agreement on tougher action.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey have also expressed openness to the idea, saying the Australian approach should be closely examined.
Officials say the technology secretary, Liz Kendall, is receptive to a ban, with a final decision expected in the coming months. Health secretary Wes Streeting has highlighted concerns including cyberbullying, mental ill health, grooming and radicalisation as key reasons for considering stronger controls.
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