Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children’s safety
Social Media Leaders Gather at Downing Street to Address Children’s Online Safety
Executives from major social media platforms, including Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X, are set to meet at Downing Street on Thursday with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. The session will focus on the measures these companies are implementing to safeguard children and address parental worries. Starmer emphasized the need for social media firms to “take ownership” of their responsibilities, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Geopolitical Context and Policy Considerations
The meeting follows a government-led public consultation on potential restrictions for under-16s, inspired by Australia’s recent measures. Downing Street has not yet disclosed which representatives from each company will attend. Starmer warned that “the cost of inaction is significant,” urging a commitment to prioritizing child safety over profit. He added that the next generation would hold leaders accountable for their decisions.
MPs Reject Proposed Ban, Favor Regulatory Flexibility
UK lawmakers recently turned down a proposal to ban social media for under-16s, a measure supported by peers in the House of Lords. Ministers argued that the ban was premature, as the government was still exploring its own regulations. Instead, MPs approved granting ministers the authority to enforce new rules. Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, criticized this as a failure to act, stating the UK is “lagging behind” other nations in addressing digital harms.
Industry Actions and Expert Perspectives
Downing Street noted that some companies have already introduced safeguards, such as disabling autoplay for children and allowing parents to manage screen time. Prof Gina Neff, from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge University, suggested the meeting reflects the government’s proactive stance amid global pressure to accommodate US tech firms. She noted the importance of maintaining strong policies on online risks.
Research and Advocacy in the UK
Recent studies by the Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity founded by the family of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old who died by suicide in 2017 after exposure to self-harm content, reveal that over 60% of Australian minors still use social media despite a ban on under-16s since December 2025. While the foundation supports the UK’s consultation, its CEO Andy Burrows urged the meeting to result in tangible action rather than vague commitments. He called for a clear pledge in the King’s Speech to advance a new Online Safety Act.
Public Consultation and Stakeholder Input
The ongoing national consultation, which examines age limits for other services like gaming sites and AI chatbots, will conclude on 26 May. Downing Street reported receiving over 45,000 responses and input from around 80 organizations, including schools and community groups. The initiative aims to shape policies that balance digital access with safety for young users.
“Keir Starmer must transform his supportive rhetoric into enforceable action,” said Andy Burrows. “We need a decisive commitment to end harmful business practices that place profits above the well-being of children.”
“The algorithms driving these platforms have raised alarms across the public,” noted Prof Amy Orben, a digital mental health expert at Cambridge University. “Young people and parents report difficulty in disconnecting from online content, underscoring the need for accountability.”