Andy Burnham is pushing forward with plans to implement a social media ban for individuals under the age of 16, emphasizing its significance in enhancing online safety for children. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester, widely anticipated to assume the role of Prime Minister on July 20, is eager for swift action on this initiative. Discussions have already taken place between Burnham and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall regarding the proposed measures to safeguard online users, with hopes of garnering bipartisan support.
A spokesperson for Burnham stated that his commitment to ensuring the online safety of children is unwavering, particularly in advocating for age restrictions on social media use. Emphasizing the necessity of this ban as a crucial initial step in safeguarding children online, the spokesperson stressed the importance of united efforts across political parties to enforce and implement the measure promptly.
Having voiced support for Kemi Badenoch’s previous calls for a social media ban, Burnham’s stance has been under scrutiny since Keir Starmer’s recent announcement on the same issue. Kendall, in an interview with The Mirror, expressed confidence in Burnham’s dedication to realizing the proposed online safety strategies, highlighting his passion for protecting children’s well-being and ensuring their access to online protections.
The unveiling of a social media ban for under 16s by Starmer and Kendall last month marked a significant move towards enhancing child safety on digital platforms. The anticipated ban, akin to Australia’s approach, is expected to encompass major social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. However, uncertainties arose following the Prime Minister’s resignation shortly after, casting doubt on the ban’s implementation in early 2027.
Despite the recent political developments, Kendall confirmed that supplementary measures, including overnight curfews and restrictions on infinite scrolling for 16- to 17-year-olds, are scheduled to proceed later this month. Describing the social media ban as a pivotal reset moment, Kendall cautioned against viewing it as a final solution, given the rapidly evolving nature of technology and the online landscape.
Efforts by officials at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology are underway to expedite the introduction of the ban, with a tight schedule to meet. Kendall has indicated her intention for MPs to vote on the legislation by year-end, utilizing powers under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act to enact new online safety regulations efficiently.
In parallel, regulatory body Ofcom has been tasked with defining effective age verification methods by October, ensuring accessibility for individuals lacking traditional identification documents. Notably, some advocacy groups, like the Molly Rose Foundation, have raised concerns about the ban’s potential implications, urging Burnham to address broader issues in social media design to prevent unintended consequences for young users.
Andy Burrows, CEO of MRF, criticized the lack of a clear implementation plan following Starmer’s initial announcement, calling for Burnham to develop a comprehensive strategy aligned with regulatory standards and safety-oriented practices. Recognizing Burnham’s interest in online safety, Burrows emphasized the need for tangible actions over superficial measures to instigate meaningful change and prioritize children’s welfare in the digital realm.
