UK Prime Minister Urges Social Media Firms to Enhance Child Safety Measures

Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting at Downing Street with senior executives from leading social media companies, including Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, and X, to address concerns over children's online safety.

Starmer emphasized the need for these companies to take greater responsibility, stating, "Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships, and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option."

The government is currently consulting on measures to protect children online, which may include banning under-16s from social media platforms, implementing curfews, and restricting addictive design features.

This initiative follows Australia's implementation of a social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025, a move that has prompted other countries to consider similar actions.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised by parents and experts regarding social media's impact on children's concentration, sleep, relationships, and worldview. Starmer highlighted that "the evidence is mounting and the status quo simply cannot be allowed to stand."

Executives present included Google UK Managing Director Kate Alessi, Meta's Public Policy Chief Markus Reinisch, and Wifredo Fernandez, Director of Global Government Affairs at X.

The government acknowledged existing protections introduced by some social media companies, such as disabling autoplay for children and providing parents with greater control over screen time. However, Starmer indicated that further action is necessary to ensure children's safety online.