this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2026
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509
UK: Under-16s to be banned from social media, Starmer announces (www.bbc.co.uk)
submitted 5 days ago by Tarambor@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
310 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Under-16s will be banned from using social media, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.

Starmer says social media is making children unhappy, making it easier for bullies to abuse children, and is "designed to be addictive". A ban would give children more time, security, and more freedom to grow up - as well as more opportunities, he adds.

"That is all any parent wants. They want to know that Britain will be better for their children, that they will get a fair chance," the PM says in a speech in Downing Street.

Starmer adds that the government is "not prepared to compromise" on the safety and happiness of children - and that includes in the regulation and enforcement of this ban. He says the government has listened to and learned from countries like Australia, where a similar ban has already been introduced.

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[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 14 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Adults are allowed to choose to become addicts.

[–] Taleya@aussie.zone 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

but we still regulate harmful addicting substances, no?

[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 10 points 4 days ago (2 children)

For children yes, and when it affects others safety like with drunk driving. If an adult wants to fuck off in the woods and become an addict, thats entirely acceptable. Apparently some adults think that when we protect vulnerable people that we are taking their freedoms away.

[–] Taleya@aussie.zone 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

If you're referring to me, you have the very wrong end of the stick.

The irony is in admitting this shit is harmful and addictive...but uh, only for those too young to monetize.

[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 days ago

I think its well known its addictive for everyone, but profit and convenience are the most important things to Americans, so here we are.

[–] SaraTonin@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

There are definitely plenty of addictive substances which are banned in the UK

[–] ExLisper@lemmy.curiana.net 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

And plenty that are not. What's your point? Ban alcohol, cigarettes and sport bets?

[–] SaraTonin@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago

My point is exactly what I said. I don’t know how much clearer I could have been, TBH, if my post is read in the context of the three proceeding it

[–] pressanykeynow@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Are they though? Can you buy heroine in the UK freely? Aren't Chinese and Russian media channels banned in the UK?

[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Being an addict isn't illegal, possessing illegal drugs is. Plenty of legal ways to be an addict if you insist though.

[–] pressanykeynow@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Fair point. But using social media means spreading social media among other addicts.

[–] Rekorse@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

I think you raise a fair point, can you participate in social media without affecting others in a negative way? My guess is scale is a big issue. If social media was just our neighbors together in a forum using technology to improve our communication, that would be a positive overall I'd think.

Tools aren't really bad on their own, it depends how we choose to use them and what goals we try to achieve with them.