"Time to ban under-16s from social media'

YOUNG teenagers should be banned from social media, a Tory MP says.

- David Williamson

Former teacher Miriam Cates said she is horrified at the way childhoods are being transformed by new technology that is “not safe” and was “never designed for children”.

Alongside the ban for under-16s, she said the Government should also consider preventing the age group using smartphones altogether.

“The evidence is now overwhelming that children are suffering as a result of smartphones and social media. Parents want action,” the Penistone and Stocksbridge MP said.

Describing smartphones as “really, really addictive devices”, she added: “No ordinary parent can stand up to the likes of Apple, Meta and Tiktok, so government action is required.”

Research for the Family Hubs Network found 78 per cent of adults are concerned about children’s smartphone use, with 57 per cent in favour of a ban for under-16s.