Wes Streeting has drawn parallels between tech companies and the tobacco industry as calls for banning social media for those under 16 gain momentum. The former Health Secretary implied that social media’s impact on children is akin to that of smoking, accusing tech firms of adopting tactics similar to tobacco companies to evade regulation.
The Government’s ongoing online safety consultation is exploring various measures, including implementing an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, setting app curfews, and restricting addictive features.
Streeting’s remarks come after his resignation and declaration to participate in any leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Despite the Prime Minister’s refusal to step down, Streeting has started positioning himself in Labour’s shadow leadership race as rival Andy Burnham aims to return to Westminster through a by-election in Makerfield.
In his statement, Streeting emphasized the need to treat social media like tobacco due to its addictive and detrimental effects on health, highlighting how Big Tech mimics Big Tobacco to avoid oversight. He stressed the importance of protecting children’s innocence by initiating a ban for under-16s and reclaiming control over shaping their futures.
These sentiments echo concerns raised in a report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, equating social media and smartphone usage to behaviors like smoking and seatbelt use in cars. The report warns of a surge in radicalized children exposed to harmful and distressing content online.
Labour Party’s chair has urged the Government to capitalize on the current opportunity presented by the online safety consultation to ensure the well-being of children. Families impacted by online-related harm are scheduled to meet with Keir Starmer to advocate for the enforcement of social media restrictions on under-16s.
Campaigner Lauren Cowell made a plea on behalf of these families in the Mirror, urging the Prime Minister to confront the issue directly. One of the affected parents, Ellen Roome, called for raising the minimum age to 16 until tech giants can demonstrate the safety of their platforms, citing her own struggles following her son’s death.
There is a growing consensus for the UK to emulate Australia’s approach to prohibition, although concerns persist about its effectiveness. The Government is anticipated to unveil its strategy post the consultation’s conclusion, having already secured legal powers to swiftly enact legislative changes if necessary.