Keir Starmer has stated that the government will implement a crackdown on teenagers' use of social media "very quickly" after the consultation on the topic concludes tonight.
Starmer's Remarks in East Sussex
Speaking during a visit to a nursery in East Sussex, Starmer said: "The consultation on children and social media is closing this evening. We’ve had very, very many people being part of the process, either responding or in discussions with me and with others. I’m meeting some of the parents this afternoon. I’ll be really clear, the question now is not whether we do something, we are going to act, I’m absolutely clear that this needs to be something where there’s a game changer. So, we will be acting. The question is only what we do, and that will be coming very quickly, because we took powers earlier this year to make sure we can act very, very quickly."
Starmer did not specify which of the various crackdown options being considered the government would choose. The government has been exploring several measures to address concerns about the impact of social media on young people.
Consultation and Next Steps
The consultation, which ends this evening, has garnered significant public engagement. The government has already taken legislative powers earlier this year to enable swift action. Starmer emphasized that the focus is now on determining the specific actions to be taken, with a decision expected soon.
