WE OWE IT TO THE PARENTS

PM's pledge ahead of tech showdown Families call for action to prevent harm

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON Political Correspondent

FOR Jools, Isaac, Mia, Noah and Maia, and for their grieving parents - Keir Starmer vowed to put children's safety first when it comes to social media.

MPs yesterday voted down a proposal to ban under-16s from the online platforms, but the PM promised change was on its way.

He has summoned tech bosses to Downing Street today, after yesterday receiving a letter from parents of Jools Sweeney, 14, Isaac Kenevan, 13, Mia Janin, 14, Noah Gibson, 11, and Maia Walsh, 13.

The bereaved parents' letter read: "While other nations take decisive action to protect their citizens, the UK remains in a cycle of consultation that risks being outmanoeuvred by the relentless pace of Big Tech.

"We can no longer treat social media as a neutral tool; for children, it has become a form of 'digital nicotine,' leading to profound, documented harms.

"There is now an overwhelming parliamentary and public consensus for change."

Ahead of today's summit, Mr Starmer said: "Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility."

He added: "The consequences of failing to act are stark.

"We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children's safety first - because they won't forgive us if we don't."