UK PM Starmer announces social media ban for under-16s
6 reported
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a social media ban for under-16s as part of an online safety drive, according to a podcast report. The proposal aims to go further than Australia’s ban, which was introduced last year as the world’s first. Many parents have welcomed the proposals, but scientists have pointed to a lack of strong evidence for the efficacy of bans. Some campaigners have argued that the proposal allows social media companies to avoid making meaningful changes on their platforms. The Guardian podcast co-hosts Ian Sample and Madeleine Finlay discussed what the evidence indicates about the harms of social media and the impact of banning it outright.
What’s reported
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a social media ban for under-16s.
The ban is part of an online safety drive.
The proposal aims to go further than Australia’s ban, introduced last year as the world’s first.
Many parents have welcomed the proposals.
Scientists have pointed to a lack of strong evidence for the efficacy of bans.
Some campaigners argued the proposal allows social media companies to avoid making meaningful changes on their platforms.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Ian Sample, co-host of The Guardian podcast
Madeleine Finlay, co-host of The Guardian podcast
Sources: The Guardian
