BTLV urges Government to avoid delays

“The government’s commitment to introduce powers in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to act on the outcome of its social media consultation is a significant step forward. Ministers are right to recognise the depth of public concern on the impact of social media on children.

However, a consultation must not be a mechanism for delay. There is already overwhelming evidence linking social media use to serious harms to children’s mental health, wellbeing and safety. The consultation should focus on how to implement effective protections quickly, not on whether action is needed. 

As the government has signalled its intention to legislate, this consultation must have clear, published timelines and be  directed towards enforceable outcomes. Every day of delay means more children are exposed to preventable harm. 

That must include raising the age of social media access from 13 to 16. A clear statutory minimum age is the most straightforward and effective step the government can take to reduce harm and give children greater protection online.

Children’s safety cannot be put on hold while further rounds of discussion take place or reform is watered down by Big Tech lobbying. Now is the time to move from words to action.”