Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
On Thursday, executives from leading social media platforms are set to gather at Downing Street for a discussion with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. The focus will be on how these companies are addressing the safety of children online and responding to parental worries. Starmer highlighted that the meeting is meant to push social media firms to “emphasize accountability” for their role in protecting young users.
The meeting occurs during a government-led public consultation on whether to impose restrictions on social media for those under 16, inspired by similar measures in Australia. Downing Street has not confirmed which representatives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X will attend. “The repercussions of inaction are significant,” Starmer warned. “We owe it to parents and the next generation to prioritize safety—because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
Consultation progress and tech company actions
Number 10 noted that some platforms have already “stepped up” by introducing features like disabling autoplay for children and offering parental controls for screen time. Prof Gina Neff, director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, suggested the meeting reflects the government’s effort to “stay proactive” amid shifting global pressures on US tech firms.
On Wednesday, UK MPs voted against a proposed ban on social media for under-16s for the second time, despite support from peers in the House of Lords. Ministers argued the ban was premature, as they were already considering their own regulations. However, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision: “Labour MPs have once again let parents and children down by opposing the ban and keeping smartphones in schools.”
Expert perspectives and foundation critique
“The time for half-measures is over—we need immediate action to limit the impact of harmful platforms on young users,” said Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson.
Recent research from the Molly Rose Foundation, a charity established by Molly Russell’s family after her 2017 suicide at 14, found that over 60% of underage Australians still use social media despite a 2025 ban on under-16s. Andy Burrows, the foundation’s CEO, praised the meeting but warned it should not result in “empty pledges” from tech leaders. “Starmer must translate his welcoming words into a clear commitment in the King’s Speech for a new Online Safety Act,” he stated.
“It’s vital to hold companies’ business models accountable, as their algorithms increasingly keep young people engaged in ways that raise concerns,” noted Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health researcher at Cambridge University.
The national consultation, which also examines potential age limits for gaming sites and AI chatbots, will close on 26 May. Downing Street reported receiving more than 45,000 responses, along with input from around 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
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