Limit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urged
Campaigners are urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to restrict under-16s from accessing social media apps that do not meet safety standards. They argue that a blanket ban oversimplifies the issue and that access should depend on the safety of the platforms. The call comes ahead of a government consultation on new online safety measures.
- ▪Campaigners, including the NSPCC, are advocating for restrictions on under-16s accessing unsafe social media apps.
- ▪They propose that access should be conditional on platforms meeting strict safety standards rather than a blanket ban.
- ▪The UK government is currently consulting on online safety measures, including potential restrictions for under-16s.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/20/limit-social-media-ban-under-16s-unsafe-apps-starmer |
| Publication time | Wed, 20 May 2026 07:00:27 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-20T07:10:00.473Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-20T09:04:38.372Z |
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Campaigners including the NSPCC believe a formal age limit would represent a safety ‘cliff edge’ for teenagers. Photograph: ANP/AlamyView image in fullscreenCampaigners including the NSPCC believe a formal age limit would represent a safety ‘cliff edge’ for teenagers. Photograph: ANP/AlamyTechnologyLimit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urgedCampaigners warn against blanket restrictions and say focus should be on blocking teenagers from platforms with ‘risky’ featuresDan Milmo Global technology editorWed 20 May 2026 03.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 03.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOnline safety campaigners have urged Keir Starmer to block under-16s from accessing social media apps that do not meet strict safety standards, instead of implementing a…
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