This does not mean we support a blanket and permanent ban on all social media for under‑16s. Social media can offer real benefits, and we do not think a permanent ban would be effective or incentivise companies to take safety by design seriously. But the current situation is unacceptable, and many platforms should lose access to our children as a matter of urgency.
Safety for children should also mean that social media platforms are no longer able to use features that foster addiction, such as streaks, infinite scrolling, and intrusive push notifications. It should be an informed choice to open Facebook or Snapchat, not something you do because your brain has been rewired to make you want to do so.
Despite the nuance needed, this legislation must progress at pace, before the technological developments outpaces it. Significant resource must be invested in Whitehall’s ability to respond to online safety developments before they inflict the scale of harm we are seeing today.
Alongside these reforms, we are also calling for greater offline support for children’s wellbeing. Our proposals above take a proportionate response to a direct threat to children’s mental health online, but they will have a limited impact in isolation. We heard time and again that we need to positively rebuild support for children to socialise and play in their communities, including investment in access to nature, youth clubs and sports facilities.
The time has come to start rebuilding a society where young people can benefit from technology without having their mental health harmed by it. It is vital the UK government acts decisively and swiftly, before more harm can be inflicted. We encourage all parents, young people and experts alike to contribute to the consultation and join us in being a part of the ongoing conversations to ensure our young people are sufficiently protected and supported.