ARGYLL and Bute Council’s policy lead for education has called for the welfare of children and young people to be considered after the UK Government’s announcement on a ban on social media for under-16s.
Another councillor for the area has also sought for the UK Government to “go further” and ensure stronger controls can be implemented.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday, June 15 that a social media ban for under-16s in the UK would be implemented from early 2027.
The UK Government is reported to also be considering an overnight curfew and measures to stop excessive scrolling for under-18s.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), the council’s education policy lead, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We will all be aware that social media has the capacity to bring people together, as well regrettably on occasion facilitating access to harmful content.
“It is important that any legislation introduced has the interests and welfare of children and young people at its core.”
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) said: “I fully support the UK Government’s action today with the Prime Minister’s announcement on the ban on access to social media for under-16s.
“I call on the UK Government to go further and get further action by the social media providers with much stronger controls on harmful material put up on the internet on their platforms.”
The Prime Minister said in a statement that he hoped that regulation would be passed before Christmas, allowing the ban to be enforced from spring 2027.
He said in the announcement: “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen.”
