By Kashmira Konduparty
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is considering measures to limit teenagers’ access to social media amid growing concerns about online safety, via a report by AP News.
The comments came as the UK government faces increasing pressure from parents, campaigners and lawmakers to address the effects of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being. Starmer stopped short of endorsing an outright ban but said all options remain under review.
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Starmer acknowledged concerns about the amount of time young people spend online and the risks posed by harmful content. He said the government is examining evidence and considering whether additional restrictions are needed beyond existing online safety measures. His remarks reflect a broader debate taking place across several countries about children’s use of social media.
Campaign groups and some lawmakers have urged the government to follow countries such as Australia, which has moved toward sticker age-based restrictions for social media platforms. Supporters of a ban argue that social media can contribute to cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and exposure to harmful content. Parents’ groups have increasingly called for stronger safeguards for children online.
The discussion comes as the UK’s Online Safety Act is being implemented. The law requires technology companies to take stronger action against harmful and illegal content and to provide greater protections for children. Regulators have been developing enforcement measures to ensure platforms comply with the new rules.
YouTube and Meta warned that an outright blanket social media ban could be difficult to enforce and may limit young people’s access to educational resources, social connections and support networks. “Blanket bans push kids out of such curated, supervised, beneficial experiences and towards anonymous, less-safe services,” a YouTube spokesperson said. Stronger parental controls, digital literacy education and platform accountability may be more effective than a blanket prohibition.
Governments around the world are increasingly scrutinizing the impact of social media on children and teenagers. Countries like Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have introduced or proposed measures like age-verification requirements, restrictions on algorithmic recommendations, limits on targeted advertising to minors and tighter content moderation standards. The issue has become a major focus of technology regulation globally.
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Child-safety advocates welcomed Starmer’s willingness to consider tougher action. They argued that social media platforms have not done enough to protect younger users from harmful material.
The government is expected to continue reviewing evidence and consulting experts before deciding whether additional restrictions are necessary. Any proposal for a social media ban or age-based limits would likely require further legislative and regulatory action. Starmer emphasized that protecting children online remains a priority for his government.