61 Labour MPs sign letter calling for under 16s social media restrictions.
Along with other Labour backbenchers, I have signed Fred Thomas MP’s letter to the Prime Minister to indicate support for an Australia-style social media ban for under 16s. This would mean implementing a minimum age for social media access of 16 years old.
The letter raises concerns about the impact excessive social media use is having on young people, stating: “Across our constituencies, we hear the same message: children are anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning. They are not building the social skills needed to thrive, nor having the experiences that will prepare them for adulthood.”
Protecting children from the harms of social media is popular, across the political spectrum. Last week, more than 100,000 people wrote to their MPs asking them to support an Australia style under-16 social media ban. I have had a significant number of emails from concerned constituents here in Wrexham, asking for the Government to look at a ban.
The letter I have signed calls for a model similar to that used in Australia, which places the onus on technology companies to prevent under-16s from creating social media accounts.
You can read the full letter here:U16 Social Media Letter PM
