Keir Starmer poised to ban under-16s from social media

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not ruled out an Australia-style social ban for under-16s in Britain, as he said that “all options are on the table”.

Starmer sad that he was watching “what is happening in Australia”, where a ban has been recently introduced, adding that more needs be done to protect children from social media.

Previously, the PM seemed hesitant as he warned that it could push teenagers to unscrupulous platforms.

During a recent trip to Scotland, he said that “we need to better protect children from social media”.

“We’re looking at what’s happening in Australia, but all options are on the table in relation to what further protections we can put in place, whether that’s under-16s on social media, all options on the table”, Starmer added.

The change of heart comes as last week, the Tories announced they would block under-16s from social media platforms if they won the next election.

Conservatives leader Kemi Badenoch said that “our policy draws a clear line for under-16s, while protecting free choice and free speech for adults” and that “now the government must act”.

While Labour Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he agrees with “a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying” on social media use.

This month, Starmer asked Ofcom for all options to be on the table regarding a possible ban for Elon Musk’s X over the rise of AI deepfakes, as Musk responded with a semi-naked picture of the British PM.