Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
On Thursday, leaders of major social media platforms are set to meet at Downing Street with the prime minister to address concerns about online safety for children. Representatives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X are anticipated to face questions from Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall regarding their efforts to shield young users and address parental worries.
Government’s push for stricter measures
This gathering follows a government-led public consultation exploring the possibility of restricting social media access for users under 16. Similar policies have been enacted in Australia, and the UK is now considering its own approach. Downing Street has not yet disclosed which executives will represent each company at the meeting.
“The consequences of failing to act are stark,” stated Starmer. “We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first—because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
Companies’ existing safeguards
Number 10 highlighted that certain social media firms have already taken steps to enhance child protection, such as disabling autoplay features by default and offering parents more control over screen time. Prof Gina Neff, from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, noted that the meeting aims to position the government as proactive in tackling online risks, especially amid shifting geopolitical pressures that may influence its stance on US-based companies.
MPs’ stance on bans
On Wednesday, UK MPs voted against a proposal to ban social media for under-16s for the second time, despite support from peers in the House of Lords. Ministers argued the measure was premature, as the government is still evaluating its own restrictions. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision, saying: “Labour MPs have once again failed parents and children by opposing the ban on social media for under-16s and resisting the removal of smartphones from schools.”
“The time for half-measures is over—we need action now to restrict the most harmful platforms for under-16s,” said Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson.
Research and advocacy
Recent findings from the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, reveal that over 60% of underage Australians continue to use social media despite a ban on under-16s implemented in December 2025. The organization, founded by the family of Molly Russell, who died by suicide in 2017 after exposure to self-harm content on platforms like Instagram, supports the UK’s consultation but urges tangible commitments.
“Keir Starmer must turn his welcome rhetoric into action with a clear commitment in the King’s Speech to a new Online Safety Act that finally calls time on cavalier business models prioritizing profit over safety,” said Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation.
Consultation progress
The national consultation, which also examines age limits for services like gaming sites and AI chatbots, is set to conclude on 26 May. Downing Street confirmed that over 45,000 responses have been collected, along with input from approximately 80 organizations, including schools and community groups.
Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health expert at Cambridge University, emphasized the need to hold companies accountable for their business models. “Social media companies’ algorithms have raised concerns across the population, with young users and parents reporting difficulty in disengaging from online platforms,” she noted.
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