- Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects calls to ban mobile phones for children under 16.
- Emphasizes need for stronger controls on accessible content.
- Campaign for stricter smartphone and social media regulations following teenager’s murder.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed the idea of banning mobile phones for children under the age of 16. He stated that while his own teenage children have mobile phones, he believes the focus should be on controlling the content they can access rather than prohibiting the devices themselves.
Starmer’s comments come in the wake of a campaign by Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was tragically murdered. Ghey is advocating for an age limit on smartphone usage and stricter controls on access to social media apps.
Starmer Calls for Content Control Over Mobile Phone Ban for Under-16s
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his opposition to banning mobile phones for children under the age of 16. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he emphasized that while his children use mobile phones, he is more concerned with the type of content they can access rather than the possession of the devices themselves. This approach, according to Starmer, addresses the core issue without resorting to outright bans.
The call for stricter regulations on smartphone and social media use follows a campaign by Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was murdered. Ghey advocates for an age limit on smartphone usage and tighter controls on social media access for young people. Starmer acknowledged the importance of these concerns, indicating a need to reassess current content control measures to ensure the safety of children.
Starmer’s remarks highlight the balance needed between technological access and safety for young people. He believes that focusing on content control rather than banning phones outright can provide a more nuanced and effective solution to the issue. This stance reflects a broader understanding of the role of technology in modern life and the need to adapt policies to protect vulnerable populations.
In response to the tragedy that prompted the campaign, Starmer’s approach aims to safeguard young users from harmful content while maintaining their ability to use mobile technology responsibly. By advocating for stronger content controls, he seeks to address parental concerns and enhance online safety measures. This strategy underscores the importance of proactive and preventive measures in the digital age.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s rejection of a mobile phone ban for under-16s in favor of enhanced content controls reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing technological access with child safety.
“Our children have mobile phones and I’m not in favour of simply banning them for children under 16. I think there’s a serious question as to what the content is and the control of the content and that is something where I think we need to look again.” – Keir Starmer
