By JKNewsMedia
CHILDREN UNDER 16 could be barred from accessing major social media platforms under sweeping new legislation unveiled by the United Kingdom (UK) government.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the policy, describing it as a necessary step to shield young people from harmful and polarising online content that can negatively affect their well being.
Speaking as a father of two, Starmer said he understood “the fears that we all feel, regarding the impact of social media on children” and stressed that he had always wanted his children “to be happy and for them to be safe”.
“But I ask the question now: do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children? Do we truly believe that it’s a place where they can feel safe?” Starmer asked.
“I don’t think I even need to answer those questions, do I? Every parent can see it with their own eyes.”
Reaction to the announcement quickly emerged on X, with some parents and children posting, “Don’t ban social media!”
Teens and parents reacted to the UK’s proposed law, which would ban children under 16 from using platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Starmer said on Monday that the UK would go further than other nations by also blocking children from accessing “harmful functions” such as livestreaming and the ability to communicate with strangers. The restrictions would also extend to gaming sites.
He said the ban would protect children from content that is “designed to be addictive.”
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