In a recent announcement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined his intention to take legislative action in Parliament aimed at implementing age restrictions on social media usage. This move is framed as a necessary measure to protect children from harmful content online. Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation by stating that the new age limits could be established within months to prevent minors from being exposed to inappropriate material.

Moreover, Starmer's proposals include the restriction of specific functionalities of social media applications that he deems detrimental to children's well-being. Features such as autoplay, which encourage continuous screen time and user engagement, would be limited as part of these legislative changes. By targeting these potential pitfalls of social media, the Prime Minister aims to cultivate a safer online environment for younger users.

Additionally, Starmer plans to address the use of VPNs among minors, which can allow them to bypass age restrictions and access restricted content. This comprehensive approach reflects his commitment as a parent and leader to safeguarding the mental health and development of children in the digital age, while also acknowledging the broader necessity for regulated internet usage by young people.