Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill questions the timing of a proposed social media ban for children under 16, according to reports. Speaking about the policy, O’Neill says the decision raises concerns about whether the rollout is driven more by internal political considerations than by what she considers the right approach for children. Multiple outlets describe her criticism as focused on when the measure is being introduced, rather than on the concept of regulation itself. The coverage notes that her comments frame the timing as potentially influenced by Labour Party politics. The reporting also indicates that O’Neill’s remarks highlight broader debate around how quickly such restrictions should be implemented and what factors policymakers are using to justify the schedule. Overall, the story centers on O’Neill’s challenge to the proposed timeline for the under-16 social media restriction, with her statements characterizing it as politically motivated rather than primarily policy-led.