The Liberal Democrats have put forward a proposal to introduce film-style age ratings for social media applications, which would control access for children.
Under this plan, platforms featuring addictive algorithmic feeds or hosting inappropriate content would be restricted to users aged 16 and older. Sites containing graphic violence or pornography would be designated for those 18 and above.
This approach, according to the Liberal Democrats, aims to prevent the unintended negative consequences that might arise from a complete ban on social media for all under-16s, a measure supported by the Conservatives.
Recently, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated an openness to an outright ban, stating that “all options are on the table.” He mentioned observing the effectiveness of a similar ban recently implemented in Australia.
Australia’s new law, effective since December, mandates that social media companies like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and TikTok take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing their platforms.
To verify a user’s age, these companies can utilize government-issued identification, facial or voice recognition, or analyze online behavior.
The Conservatives have stated their intention to adopt Australia’s strategy, banning under-16s from social media if elected.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the internet, particularly social media, as a “Wild West” and expressed a desire to keep children off these platforms.
However, Victoria Collins, the Liberal Democrats’ science and technology spokesperson, criticized the idea of a “blanket ban” as a “blunt instrument that doesn’t work in a digital age,” suggesting it indicates a lack of trust in parents by the Conservatives.
The Liberal Democrats argue that their “tailored approach” would enable governments to quickly categorize new social media platforms based on their addictiveness or the harmfulness of their content.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey conveyed a clear message to social media companies: if a platform spreads harmful content or relies on addictive algorithms, it should not be accessible to children.
He emphasized that this issue requires immediate attention.
The Liberal Democrats’ proposal suggests that apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook would be deemed unsuitable for under-16s “unless these companies fundamentally rewrite their code to remove addictive algorithmic feeds and inappropriate content.”
Media regulator Ofcom would be responsible for enforcing these age ratings and could impose fines on non-compliant companies.
Peers in the House of Lords are expected to vote on this proposal next week, as the Liberal Democrats plan to introduce it as an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Concurrently, a cross-party group of peers will propose a separate amendment seeking to prevent all under-16s from accessing social media.
This amendment was tabled by Lord Nash, a Conservative former education minister, and is co-sponsored by Baroness Benjamin (Liberal Democrat peer and former children’s TV presenter), Baroness Berger (Labour peer), and Baroness Cass (independent member of the House of Lords and a paediatrician).
Those supporting this amendment are optimistic about its passage.
The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) has advised peers against a total ban, stating that while action is necessary, a complex problem demands more than a blanket solution, and bans are not the answer.
The charity supports the “film ratings” method, advocating for the protection of children and young people without “shutting them out from the online world and the benefits it can offer for connection, fun, learning and support.”
The Molly Rose Foundation, established in memory of Molly Russell, who died by suicide at 14 after exposure to self-harm and suicide content online, has also voiced concerns about a social media ban.
The charity warned of “unintended consequences,” such as “pushing harm to unregulated areas.”
Some social media companies have contended that a ban would be challenging to implement and easy for users to bypass.
Apps like TikTok and Instagram typically set a minimum age of 13 for accounts.
Major platforms also incorporate protections for teenagers.
For instance, Snapchat teen accounts are private by default, and public accounts are only available to those aged 16 or older.
Snapchat has stated its compliance with Australia’s ban but cautioned that “disconnecting teens from their friends and family doesn’t make them safer – it may push them to less safe, less private messaging apps.”
