Limit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urged

Campaigners warn against blanket restrictions and say focus should be on blocking teenagers from platforms with ‘risky’ features

Online safety campaigners have urged Keir Starmer to block under-16s from accessing social media apps that do not meet strict safety standards, instead of implementing a broader Australia-style ban.

The NSPCC, Molly Rose Foundation and Smartphone Free Childhood said tech platforms should not be allowed to offer “risky” features to teenagers such as infinite scrolling, disappearing messages and push notifications.