UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to announce new online safety measures for children, with multiple outlets reporting that restrictions on under-16s using social media are expected within days. The plans are described as coming after a nationwide government consultation, which has since closed, and as reflecting responses received from parents. BBC News and Bloomberg report that Starmer’s position has hardened following feedback to the consultation, alongside calls for “decisive” action and pressure for an approach similar to Australia’s under-16 social media ban. Other reports add that Starmer has discussed the issue with bereaved parents and has considered evidence from Australia, where restrictions on under-16s were introduced in December.
Several outlets also describe the policy as aimed at limiting access to harmful content, rather than removing all social media use entirely. The reporting indicates Starmer is due to make a speech to technology industry figures in the near term as part of the announcement, with the government framing the measures as protective steps for children’s online safety.
