Former UK Health Secretary Streeting Urges Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Policy Review
The ex-health secretary, who resigned from the cabinet in protest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, calls for strict age limits as the UK government closes a 12-week consultation on digital safety measures.
Wes Streeting, the former UK health secretary, has publicly called for a ban on social media access for children under 16, arguing that technology companies should be regulated in the same manner as the tobacco industry. Streeting, who resigned from the government earlier this month in protest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, stated that such a ban must serve as the starting point for protecting children from the addictive nature of online platforms and the efforts by big tech to evade oversight.
His intervention coincides with the imminent closure of a 12-week government consultation on age limits for social media platforms, with ministers expected to make a final decision within weeks. Streeting, previously one of the strongest advocates for a ban within the cabinet, noted that he had faced resistance from colleagues concerned that such restrictions might force children onto the dark web or leave them ill-equipped to use technology upon turning 16.
The consultation considers a range of measures, including strict age limits, restrictions on specific app features such as livestreaming and infinite scrolling, curbs on personalised algorithms, and mandatory screen curfews. Ministers are also evaluating whether age restrictions and time limits are appropriate for certain chatbots. A government spokesperson emphasised the need to balance safety with positive online experiences, stating that officials are consulting on a wide range of measures to protect young people from harm.
Bereaved parents are set to meet the Prime Minister to present their views on the issue. The group includes Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who supports a ban, and Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who does not. Their meeting underscores the intense pressure on the government to act as the consultation concludes at the end of Tuesday, with a response promised for the summer.
A coalition of children’s organisations, including the NSPCC and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), is urging stringent action beyond simple age limits. The RCPCH cited a survey of 60 paediatricians, finding that 49% of doctors cited self-harm and suicidal tendencies as their biggest concern regarding social media, while 45% cited bullying and 39% mentioned mental health problems. The group argues that raising the age of consent alone is insufficient and calls for bans on advertising and manipulative design features.