Andy Burnham is moving forward with a proposal to ban social media for individuals under 16, citing it as a crucial step in ensuring the safety of children online. The former mayor of Greater Manchester, expected to assume the role of Prime Minister on July 20, is eager for this measure to be swiftly implemented. He has engaged with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall to discuss plans for enhancing online safety and aims to garner bipartisan support for the initiative.
A spokesperson for Burnham emphasized his dedication to safeguarding children on the internet and his advocacy for age restrictions on social media use. Stressing the importance of this ban as a foundational measure for online child safety, the spokesperson highlighted the need for unified political backing to ensure its effective enforcement without delay.
Burnham previously voiced support for Kemi Badenoch’s push for a social media ban earlier in the year, although his stance has not been confirmed since Keir Starmer announced a similar proposal last month. Kendall expressed confidence in Burnham’s commitment to realizing the safety plans, emphasizing his passion for securing a positive future for children and safeguarding their online experiences.
The recent unveiling of a social media ban for individuals under 16 by Starmer and Kendall marks a significant effort to bolster their legacy in protecting children online. The proposed ban, modeled after Australian regulations, is anticipated to encompass major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. However, the resignation of the Prime Minister shortly after the announcement has raised uncertainties about the ban’s timely implementation in early 2027.
Kendall confirmed that additional planned measures, including overnight curfews and restrictions on infinite scrolling for 16- to 17-year-olds, will proceed later in the month. Describing the social media ban as a pivotal moment for realignment, Kendall noted the evolving nature of technology, indicating that ongoing adjustments will be necessary to address emerging challenges in online safety.
Efforts are underway within the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology to expedite the introduction of the ban, with a focus on ensuring its legal robustness. Ofcom has been tasked with defining effective age verification methods by October, with an emphasis on accessibility for individuals lacking conventional identification documents.
While some advocacy groups, like the Molly Rose Foundation, oppose the ban, urging Burnham to address social media platform design flaws more assertively, others support the need for comprehensive regulatory strategies. Andy Burrows, CEO of MRF, stressed the importance of a well-thought-out approach to implementing the ban, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing safety-oriented regulations across various technology domains.
As lawmakers work towards finalizing the legislation for the social media ban, the use of statutory instruments under existing legislation is set to expedite the process, with a targeted timeline for implementation. Kendall aims to secure parliamentary approval for the measure by the end of the year, utilizing the regulatory framework within the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act to enact timely online safety measures.