Starmer Weighs Australian-Style Social Media Ban For Under-16s

 

Sir Keir Starmer is considering whether to follow Australia’s lead by banning children under 16 from social media, despite previously saying he was personally opposed to such a move.

 

The Labour Prime Minister is now understood to be “closely monitoring” Australia’s world-first law, introduced on December 10 by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The legislation bars under-16s from major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X and Twitch, with companies facing fines of up to £25 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to block child accounts.

 

Only weeks ago, Starmer appeared to rule out a similar policy, arguing the priority should be controlling what children see online rather than banning access outright. But pressure is growing inside Cabinet to take a tougher stance as concerns mount over bullying, misogyny and radicalisation on social platforms.

 

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged Labour to “think much more radically” about online safety, describing social media as increasingly “anti-social media” and warning that children can now access extreme content more easily than age-restricted films.

 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed the government is examining Australia’s approach, though she raised concerns about enforceability. According to The Telegraph, discussions have already begun between Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall about whether a similar ban could be introduced in the UK if the Australian model proves effective.

 

Downing Street struck a cautious note, saying the government understands parents’ concerns but must balance child protection with access to essential digital services. A spokesperson said “nothing is off the table,” but any action must be backed by “robust evidence.”

 

Kendall has previously signalled scepticism, warning that an outright ban could leave young people ill-prepared for the online world. Australia’s prime minister, however, has framed the policy as a historic cultural shift, predicting it will become a source of national pride.

 

Key Takeaways

• Starmer is monitoring Australia’s under-16 social media ban despite earlier opposition.

• Senior Labour figures are split, with growing pressure for tougher online safety rules.

• Any UK move would hinge on whether Australia’s controversial policy proves workable.

 

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL

 

 

Do it.  INGSOC has become the reality of the UK.