Over the past ten days, I have been inundated with hundreds of emails from deeply concerned parents across the Brentwood and Ongar constituency, all urging me to support decisive action to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. The sheer volume and passion of these correspondents have reinforced my conviction that this is a critical issue requiring immediate parliamentary attention.
Conservative Campaign for Legislative Action
I am in complete agreement with these parents and am actively participating in the Conservative Party's campaign to introduce legislation that would restrict social media use for under-16s. While I generally maintain reservations about imposing bans on adults, the situation with children demands a fundamentally different approach. Britain has historically adopted a precautionary stance when it comes to protecting young people from potential harm.
The Precautionary Principle for Child Protection
We already prohibit children from entering nightclubs, casinos, and screenings of violent films because we recognise the proven harm such exposures can cause. However, in the digital realm, we have alarmingly failed to apply this same common-sense, protective framework. Children are now routinely exposed to violent imagery, explicit sexual material, and unsolicited contact from strangers through social media platforms.
These are scenarios that no responsible parent would tolerate in the offline world. The detrimental impact that unrestricted social media access is having on children's educational development, behavioural patterns, and mental wellbeing can no longer be dismissed or ignored.
Manifesto Commitment and Urgent Need for Action
Implementing restrictions on social media for under-16s will form a key component of the Conservative Party's manifesto for the forthcoming General Election. However, this issue is too pressing to wait until 2029. Immediate action is required to safeguard our children from the pervasive risks associated with these platforms.
Calling on the Labour Government
I will continue to advocate vigorously for children and parents within Parliament. Constituents can amplify this call for urgency by signing our petition, directly telling the Labour Government that action cannot be delayed. The Prime Minister now faces a clear and unambiguous choice.
If the government is genuinely committed to protecting children, they can demonstrate this by voting in favour of the proposed restrictions. Encouragingly, 61 Labour MPs have already expressed their support for a ban on social media for under-16s. It is my sincere hope that their colleagues will also recognise the necessity of this measure.
Clarifying the Campaign's Purpose
This initiative is not about imposing unnecessary restrictions on adults or launching an attack on technology and innovation. It is fundamentally about establishing clear, enforceable rules that support families and prioritise the welfare and safety of children above all else.
