Streeting urges social media ban for under-16s
Wes Streeting has called for a ban on social media for children under 16, likening tech companies to the tobacco industry. His comments come as a public consultation on online safety for young people approaches its deadline. Streeting argues that social media is addictive and detrimental to children's health and well-being.
- ▪Wes Streeting has urged for a social media ban for children under 16.
- ▪He compared tech companies to the tobacco industry, emphasizing the addictive nature of social media.
- ▪The public consultation on online safety for young people is set to close soon.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsStreeting urges social media ban for under-16sThe recently-resigned former health secretary joined calls for an Australia-style ban, ahead of a consultation closing.Sophie Wingate Monday 25 May 2026 21:45 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"ad734fe8-36ce-4892-8f20-b3d62cde5e6f","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/wes-streeting-government-commons-australia-social-media-b2983281.html","title":"Streeting urges social media ban for under-16s"}}Wes Streeting has called for a social media ban for children (Jeff Moore/PA) (PA…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Independent.