Andy Burnham is facing pressure to abandon the social media ban for under-16s, a policy he inherited from his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer. The Labour Party MP, who became Prime Minister last month, has been urged by 150 youth organisations and young people in Scotland to scrap the proposals, warning they could drive young people into less regulated parts of the internet.
Youth organisations unite against the ban
The letter, led by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), has been signed by the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland, Children in Scotland, Together (Scotland), and Forces Children Scotland, among others. SYP campaigners said young people should be allowed "meaningful participation" to share their views with politicians.
Ellie Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: "Young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences."
Calls for evidence-based policy
Craig added: "We are asking the Prime Minister to work with young people, not simply make decisions on our behalf. Our message is straightforward – we want safer social media, but we also want policies that are based on evidence, that respect children's rights and genuinely make young people safer rather than unintentionally pushing them towards greater risks."
The intervention comes as Mr Burnham has reappointed Lisa Nandy as Culture Secretary in his reshuffle, while Liz Kendall has been removed from the Technology brief. The AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, will be given a seat at the top table of government, but the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been scrapped.
Government restructure and implications
DSIT was created by the Conservative Sunak government in 2023; its responsibilities will now be split between other government departments. Ms Craig said: "If the Government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought. What is happening in Australia can be avoided by consulting with the people who will be most affected."
The social media ban for under-16s remains one of the most contentious policies inherited by Mr Burnham. The letter from Scottish youth groups adds to growing opposition, emphasising the need for consultation and evidence-based approaches to online safety.
