The Government is finally appearing to prepare to ban access to some social media sites for the under-16s, including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, and clamping down on children being able to talk to strangers over gaming apps.
The evidence has been clear and overwhelming for some time: social media is doing serious harm to our children. I've been working with my Conservative colleagues to stop children being able to access harmful social media for over a year. But sadly, Labour have dragged their heels at every opportunity and voted against our plans to get the under-16s off social media THREE times in the House of Commons.
Meanwhile, more children have been exposed to violent and explicit content online. We have called for the Prime Minister to do the right thing by parents, campaigners and teachers who have been fighting for change. Too many children are exposed to harmful and extreme content online every day, and it must stop. Further delay is not acceptable.
Last week's column
MP Column June 9: Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar
I am grateful to the hundreds of parents who have contacted me in recent months to call for a ban on social media for the under-16s. It seems the tide is now turning, and our work to keep children safe online is coming to fruition.
Written before June 15 - Social media ban for under-16s announced as PM warns of harm to children
The Brentwood Gazette covers areas including but not limited to Billericay, Brentwood, Hutton, Shenfield, and Wickford in Essex.
