‘Social media should be treated like tobacco’: Streeting calls for under-16s ban on certain platforms
Wes Streeting has called for a ban on under-16s accessing certain social media platforms, likening the industry to tobacco due to its addictive nature. His comments come as the government concludes a consultation on age limits for social media use. Streeting argues that regulations are necessary to protect children's health and well-being.
- ▪Streeting argues that social media companies are evading regulation similar to the tobacco industry.
- ▪The government is closing a consultation on age limits for social media platforms, with a decision expected soon.
- ▪Various groups, including bereaved parents and children's organizations, are advocating for stricter measures to protect young users.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Streeting said that ‘big tech is borrowing the big tobacco playbook to avoid regulation’. Photograph: David Levene/The GuardianView image in fullscreenStreeting said that ‘big tech is borrowing the big tobacco playbook to avoid regulation’. Photograph: David Levene/The GuardianSocial media ban‘Social media should be treated like tobacco’: Streeting calls for under-16s ban on certain platformsFormer health secretary’s intervention comes as government closes consultation on age limits for social media platformsKiran Stacey, Dan Milmo, Robert Booth and Denis CampbellMon 25 May 2026 15.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSocial media companies should be treated like the tobacco industry, Wes Streeting has argued, as he called for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms.Speaking…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
