UK Prime Minister Faces Backlash Over Plans to Ban Social Media for Under-16s. In a move aimed at protecting the mental health and well-being of young people, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media for individuals under the age of 16 in the UK. The proposed ban, which has sparked intense debate, is part of a broader effort to curb the negative impact of social media on children. Critics argue that such a ban may be unenforceable, with some teenagers likely finding ways to circumvent the restrictions. However, Starmer maintains that the rules are not intended to be foolproof, but rather a necessary step towards creating a safer online environment for young people.
Prime minister defends going for full ban, saying social media is making children unhappy and unsafeSocial media to be banned in UK for under-16s, Starmer announcesStarmer acknowledges some teenagers will get round these restrictons. But that does not make the rules pointless, he says.Will it mean that no child ever looks at social media again? No.But look, this might shock you, but it doesn’t shock parents of teenagers; they get around other laws to.Some technology companies want us to think that social media is unchangeable, part of an almost natural order.But we have to resist that kind of learned helplessness. We have agency, we can change it, and we will. Continue reading...
