Starmer vows to act on social media after meeting bereaved parents

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to take "decisive" action to address the harmful impact of social media on children, following a meeting with bereaved parents whose children died as a result of online abuse and exposure to harmful content. Speaking ahead of discussions with campaigners on Tuesday, Sir Keir acknowledged the urgency of the issue, emphasising that any measures introduced must be a "game-changer" in protecting young users. The government’s consultation on children’s social media use is drawing to a close, with ministers under growing pressure to impose stricter controls. Among the proposals being considered is a potential ban on social media access for under-16s, a model already implemented in Australia. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has indicated that new safeguards for young people will be introduced by the end of 2026, though campaigners remain divided over whether these will be sufficient.

Some parents, including Ellen Roome and Mariano Janin, whose children died at 14 amid online bullying and harmful content, expressed scepticism about the government’s commitment to meaningful change. Roome, whose son Jools Sweeney died in 2022, told the BBC she remained unconvinced, stating that past promises had not translated into action. "I think we’ve heard it so many times before," she said. "Until I see change actually happen, I will remain sceptical." Janin, whose daughter Mia died in 2021, echoed these concerns, warning that tech firms continued to roll out new products, including AI chatbots, at pace without adequate safeguards. The families described the meeting as a "listening exercise," urging the Prime Minister to implement their demands to prevent further tragedies. "We do not want this group to grow any further," one parent said. "We want all our asks to be adhered to."

The calls for stricter regulation have gained further momentum following the resignation of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who accused regulators and politicians of being "asleep at the wheel." Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme, Streeting compared the tactics of social media companies to those of the tobacco industry, arguing that addictive platform designs posed serious risks to children. "The precautionary principle should apply here," he said, adding that the UK was "behind the curve" and must act swiftly. Streeting, now a backbencher, claimed his resignation had freed him to speak more frankly on the issue but expressed confidence that Technology Secretary Liz Kendall would push for urgent measures following the consultation’s closure.

The government’s consultation, which ends on Tuesday night, will inform a formal response expected this summer. While some campaigners support a complete ban on social media for under-16s, others argue for more targeted restrictions on harmful platforms. Kendall has signalled that any new rules would be introduced by the end of 2026, but critics warn that delays could cost more young lives. With families and former ministers united in their demand for action, the pressure on the government to deliver tangible reforms continues to mount.