Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to implement a ban on social media use for children under 16 in the United Kingdom, following a government consultation concluding this week. The proposed measure would align the UK with Australia’s recent decision to restrict under-16s from accessing social media platforms, a move intended to address growing concerns over young people's mental health.

The Conservative Party has long advocated for such restrictions, linking social media addiction to a surge in mental health issues among British youth. Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour for previously opposing a ban, accusing the party of “dither and delay” since January when Starmer and Labour’s Technology Secretary Liz Kendall publicly rejected the idea. Badenoch reiterated the Conservative position that social media should be limited to adults, emphasizing the need for enforced age limits.

Meanwhile, Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner publicly called on Sir Keir Starmer to take decisive action, urging the government to “just make a decision and do it” given the perceived clarity of the issue. Rayner’s comments followed growing speculation that Labour may reverse its earlier stance and endorse the ban as a politically viable step.

However, the Labour Party appears divided on the approach. Some senior figures, including leadership contenders Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, reportedly favor tougher regulation over an outright ban, citing evidence from Australia suggesting limited effectiveness. Studies indicate that more than 60 percent of Australian children under 16 have bypassed the ban or found workarounds, raising questions about practical enforcement.

Advocates for a nuanced approach propose alternative measures, such as banning specific platform functionalities—like endless scrolling, autoplay, algorithm-driven content feeds, and rewards systems—that foster addictive behaviour among young users. Starmer has emphasized his openness to such strategies and acknowledged the benefits of internet access for children, stating the government intends to introduce changes without maintaining the current status quo.

Ahead of the consultation’s conclusion, Sir Keir was due to meet with bereaved families affected by harmful online content, including Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly Russell took her own life after exposure to suicide-related material online. Russell cautioned against premature policy announcements and urged evidence-based decisions that extend beyond mere bans to more comprehensive protections.

Government sources suggest the Prime Minister may use the consultation process as cover for announcing the ban, with some advisers viewing it as a politically popular legacy initiative. Starmer has reiterated that whatever measures are taken will reflect the consultation’s outcome, underscoring a commitment to protect the next generation from online harms. The legislation enabling regulatory changes has already been introduced, allowing for swift implementation of any agreed policies without needing further parliamentary approval.