Hampshire MP and school welcome plans to ban under-16s from social media
The plan follows months of pressure from parents, campaigners and health professionals who warned of harmful content and mental-health risks for children.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media access for under-16s, targeting platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms.
- Persistent pressure from bereaved families, health professionals, and the Conservative Party prompted the move. Supporters argue the ban is necessary to curb exposure to violent material and improve children's mental health and wellbeing.
- Conversely, the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland warns the ban is 'not currently a proportionate, effective, or enforceable way to protect children's rights.' Critics cite potential harm to socialisation and communication.
- Tech experts warn users might circumvent restrictions using Virtual Private Networks . Proton VPN's Public Policy Manager Romain Digneaux cautioned that age-gating such tools would undermine privacy for law-abiding citizens globally.
- Following his Monday announcement, Prime Minister Starmer indicated further restrictions may follow next month. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that additional statements on potential VPN regulations are expected in July.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Reality check: Could the UK's social media ban lead to VPN restrictions?
As the British Prime Minister shared plans to ban all under-16s from social media, speculation is mounting as to whether VPNs will be next. While we wait for the government to share further information on this in July, here's how the debate has been unfolding.
Burnham-On-Sea MP welcomes government U‑turn on under‑16s social media ban
Burnham-On-Sea’s MP Ashley Fox has welcomed the government’s decision to reverse course and introduce a ban on social media use for under‑16s, saying the move will help protect children from online harms. The announcement followed growing pressure from campaigners and Conservative MPs, who have been calling for tighter safeguards amid rising concerns about the impact of social media on young people. Mr Fox said the change of direction was the re…
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