Birmingham, UK: Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill has welcomed the UK Government’s proposed measures to strengthen online safety for children, including a potential social media ban for those under the age of 16 and enhanced protections against harmful digital content and online interactions.
Drawing on her professional experience as a former Children’s Services Manager, Gill emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of young people must remain a top priority in the digital age. She said that while the internet offers enormous educational and social opportunities, children continue to face significant risks from harmful online content, inappropriate communications, and emerging technologies that can negatively impact their mental health and development.
Gill highlighted concerns raised directly by students during a recent roundtable discussion she organized at Lordswood Girls’ School. According to the MP, students spoke candidly about the harmful content and troubling experiences they encounter online. Similar concerns, she noted, are regularly shared by parents who worry about the increasing influence of social media on their children’s emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and personal safety.
The Government’s proposed measures include restrictions on harmful online features such as communication with strangers, livestreaming capabilities, and AI-powered companion chatbots that may expose young users to inappropriate interactions. Supporters of the proposals argue that these safeguards will help create a safer online environment while allowing children to continue benefiting from educational and social opportunities available through digital platforms.
Gill described the proposed legislation as an important step toward ensuring that technology companies take greater responsibility for protecting young users. She stressed that children should be able to enjoy the benefits of the internet without being exposed to avoidable dangers that can have lasting consequences on their wellbeing and development.
The debate surrounding social media use among children has gained momentum across the United Kingdom in recent years as policymakers, educators, health professionals, and parents increasingly raise concerns about cyberbullying, online exploitation, mental health issues, and excessive screen time. The Government’s latest proposals are expected to generate significant discussion among technology companies, child protection advocates, and civil society organizations.
According to Gill, the ultimate objective is not to prevent young people from accessing the digital world but to ensure that they can do so in a safer, healthier, and more responsible environment. She said that every child deserves protection from online harms while enjoying the positive opportunities that modern technology can provide.
The proposed reforms are expected to form part of the UK’s broader efforts to establish world-leading standards for online child safety and digital wellbeing, reflecting growing public demand for stronger protections for children in an increasingly connected world.