SIR Keir Starmer has signalled he is open to banning under-16s from social media, saying “all options are on the table” to protect kids online.
He said the Government was studying Australia’s new crackdown, which has already led to hundreds of thousands of accounts being blocked.
Asked if he would back a ban in the UK, Sir Keir said: “We need to better protect children from social media.
“We’re looking at what is happening in Australia – all options are on the table in relation to what further protections we can put in place – whether that’s under-16s on social media or an issue I am very concerned about, under fives and screen time.
“Children are turning up age four at reception having spent far too much time on screens.”
The PM’s comments come amid growing pressure inside Labour, with senior MPs expecting the UK to head in the same direction as Australia.
The Sun revealed earlier this week the PM was leaning towards a ban – with ministers actively examining tougher restrictions as concern grew across Whitehall.
The debate is expected to escalate when the House of Lords votes next week on a cross-party amendment to block under-16s from accessing platforms.
If peers back it, the issue will return to the Commons for a vote.
The Conservatives have already pledged their own ban, along with prohibiting smartphones in schools.
