Motion

Social Media Restrictions for Children and Young People

Social Media Restrictions for Children and Young People
That this Assembly recognises the growing body of evidence linking social media use as a cause of harm to the mental health, wellbeing and development of children and young people; notes the increasing concern around exposure to harmful content, addictive design features and online abuse; is aware that several countries are now moving towards stronger age-based restrictions on social media platforms; acknowledges that restrictions alone are not sufficient and that a holistic approach is required, including stronger platform regulation, digital literacy, parental support and effective enforcement; further notes the British Government’s consultation on online harms and child safety; believes that proportionate restrictions should be introduced to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, alongside wider reforms to make online spaces safer; and calls on the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to introduce these measures at the earliest opportunity.
Private Members' Motion
Opposition business
27/01/2026
27/01/2026
10/02/2026
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