The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has called on social media companies such as Instagram and TikTok to take stronger action to stop young people from spending long hours scrolling online.
Speaking on Monday, Starmer said many young users are spending too much time on social media, often “mindlessly scrolling never-ending videos,” which he believes is harmful.
Government Considers Ban and Time Restrictions
The UK government is currently exploring several options to protect children online. These include a possible ban on social media for users under 16, as well as curfews and limits on how long young people can use apps.
“We’re consulting on whether there should be a ban for under 16s,” Starmer told BBC Radio. “But I think equally important, the addictive scrolling mechanisms are really problematic to my mind. They need to go.”
The government is testing how these measures could affect children’s sleep, schoolwork, and family life.
Concerns Over Addictive Algorithms
Starmer said social media platforms have designed systems that encourage users to stay online for long periods.
He explained that these algorithms are built to promote addictive behaviour, which has become a growing concern for parents.
According to him, many parents are now asking the government to step in and regulate how these platforms operate.
Other Countries Taking Similar Steps
The UK is not alone in considering stricter rules. Australia recently became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, while Greece and Indonesia have also introduced similar restrictions.
These actions reflect a global concern about the impact of social media on young people.
Government Seeks Public Views
The UK government has received more than 45,000 responses to its consultation on children’s online safety, with more expected before the May 26 deadline.
The Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, said the government wants to hear from families and young people directly.
“We want to hear from mums and dads who are worried about the amount of time their children spend online and what they are viewing,” she said.
“We want to hear from teenagers who know better than anyone what it is like to grow up in the age of social media. And we want to hear from families about their views on curfews, AI chatbots and addictive features.”
Growing Debate on Social Media Use
The discussions highlight increasing concern about how social media affects young people, especially in areas such as mental health, education, and behaviour.
As governments explore new regulations, social media companies may face pressure to redesign their platforms to reduce addictive use and protect younger users.
Credit: Reuters
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