Portsmouth MPs welcome social media ban as council leader voices doubts

Portsmouth MPs, councillors and the council leader weigh in on the social media ban for under-16s.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday that millions of under-16s across the country will be banned from using social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X.

Starmer said the ban “will happen” as he’s “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children”.

The ban follows growing concern about children’s exposure to online harms, including self-harm, graphic or pornographic material, bullying, blackmail, dangerous trends, child sexual abuse, and addictive features.

It follows a similar ban introduced in Australia last year, which blocked under-16s from TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and other platforms.

Tech companies have argued, however, that the ban could push children into even more harmful parts of the internet.

Critics have also argued that the restrictions can be easily avoided using a virtual private network.

Labour Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said that parents across the city “tell me they are deeply concerned about the impact social media is having on their children’s wellbeing, confidence and mental health.

“Too often, families feel they are fighting a losing battle against platforms designed to keep young people online for as long as possible.

“These proposals are about putting children’s wellbeing first. They will help protect young people from harmful content, unwanted contact from strangers and addictive features designed to keep them scrolling for hours on end.

“Children should be free to enjoy their childhoods, build friendships, develop hobbies and spend time with family without the constant pressures that can come with social media. This is a decisive step towards creating a healthier online environment for the next generation”.

Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said the ban is a “decisive step taken by this Government which marks a clear choice to put children’s wellbeing first and give them a healthy life online.

“From the various sessions I have held in Portsmouth gathering thoughts on the consultation, the overwhelming feedback from both parents and young people has been clear – social media is not a safe space for our children.

“Following this Government’s work on the Online Safety Act, we will go a step further and we will introduce a strong age verification system that must be followed and implemented by all social media platforms.

“These plans will set a new normal for future generations, and alongside our investments in sport, culture and art will kickstart a cultural shift and driving forward the government’s fight to give every child the best start in life.”

Councillor Charlotte Gerada, leader of the Labour group, echoed the sentiment, arguing that “social media companies haven’t stepped up to adequately protect children from the dangers of social media and as a result children and teens have needlessly lost their lives through committing suicide, they’ve self-harmed or experienced severe mental health issues.

“The situation on social media platforms has actually worsened over the years, with even less filters, support and reporting applied. That means now more than ever, our children have been exposed to even more dangerous, harmful and degrading content.”

Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council , said he’s “torn because my natural instinct is that invariably legislation is a difficult way to produce this kind of change.

“I would actually much prefer to see greater responsibility and equal amounts of punishment for the platforms for not policing themselves properly – that’s the issue that people are trying to fix.”