More than sixty Labour MPs have publicly urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to impose a blanket ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, mirroring a controversial policy recently adopted in Australia.
Open Letter Highlights Mental Health Crisis
The call to action comes in the form of an open letter authored by Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas. The letter, signed by a significant cohort of Labour backbenchers, expresses profound concern that unregulated social media platforms are leaving children "anxious, unhappy and unable to focus on learning". The MPs argue that the responsibility for preventing underage access should fall squarely on the shoulders of technology companies, rather than relying on parental controls alone.
Starmer's Stance and Charitable Warnings
In response to the growing pressure, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stated that "all options are on the table" when it comes to enhancing online protections for young people. This includes the potential for a full ban for under-16s. However, the proposal has not been met with universal approval. Leading charities, including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation, have issued cautions. They warn that a blanket prohibition could create a dangerous "false sense of safety" and potentially push young users towards less regulated and more secretive corners of the internet.
Father of Molly Russell Criticises Politicians
The debate has also drawn criticism from Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, whose tragic death in 2017 was linked to harmful online content. He has accused some politicians of "capitalising" on the proposed ban, suggesting the issue is being used for political gain rather than being addressed with nuanced, evidence-based policy. The letter from Labour MPs was publicised on Monday 19 January 2026, signalling that the debate over children's digital wellbeing is set to be a major feature of the political landscape.
The core demands of the Labour MPs' letter include:
- Implementing a legislative ban on social media access for under-16s.
- Shifting the legal onus for age verification onto tech firms.
- Prioritising the protection of young people's mental health in online regulation.
As the government weighs its options, the clash between the desire for decisive action and warnings about unintended consequences defines a critical policy challenge.
