British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that he would ban children under 16 years old from using social media platforms and impose restrictions on video game services as well as live streaming, in one of the most extensive online management measures in the world today.
In a press conference, Mr. Starmer said these changes reflect British values, aimed at protecting children in the digital environment and limiting the influence of large technology corporations. "A complete ban is the right choice," according to Mr. Starmer.
The British leader believes that the new measure will change the way parents exchange with their children, while reshaping children's expectations over time. He said the ban will help children be safer, happier, have more time, freedom and opportunities for development.
In addition to banning access to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, the British government will also take action against online game services and live streaming that allow children to chat with strangers. Mr. Starmer questioned whether in real life there are parents who let their children connect with a completely strange adult, and affirmed that the government will handle this issue.
According to the plan, the government has the authority to implement the first steps of the ban. Detailed regulations are expected to be completed by the end of the year and the ban may be applied around the spring of next year.
He has continuously strengthened the management of technology companies in recent years, requiring or forcing platforms to apply age verification, algorithm adjustments, and preventing children from spreading nude images taken with mobile phones.
Mr. Starmer said the decision to take another step was made after consulting parents and considering experiences from Australia, a country that has applied a social media ban to children under 16 years old since last year.
The British government has consulted teachers, parents and teenagers on many new measures, including bans on children under 16 years old, application usage time limits, online curfew hours and restrictions on features considered addictive.
The consultation process received more than 116,000 responses. More than 83% of participating parents believe that the risks from social networks are greater than the benefits, while 90% support the minimum age of 16 to access social network platforms.
