Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: Social media is failing our children

Protecting our children from the perils of social media has never been more important, as it becomes ever clearer that it can cause significant distress and lead to harmful behaviour.

Social media companies seem unable or unwilling to properly police their channels against violent or extreme content, so we must act.

I fully support a ban on social media access to those aged under sixteen. Whilst I am not usually a fan of banning things, I do feel in this case it is the only answer.

The Government is currently running a consultation on a ban which is due to report later this year, but I feel there is already overwhelming evidence to support such a move.

We already (rightly) have age limits on alcohol, tobacco and the age of consent to protect young people, so it is only right and logical we have something similar in place for social media.

Australia has already shown that it can be done, having implemented a ban last year, and we should look to follow their lead.

Statistics for children and teenagers desperately needing access to mental health support services continue to rise, and I know from correspondence from my constituents that speedy access to these services has never been more vital.

I am in no doubt that social media has a negative impact on a young person’s mental health, and it is our duty to do what we can to protect them.

On my Facebook page we are currently running a petition and if you are a constituent and support a ban, I would be grateful if you would sign it. Just search for Alison Griffiths MP on Facebook.

Equally, if you are willing to share a negative experience that your child or grandchild, or someone you care for, has experienced due to social media, then please email me at: [email protected] or write to: Alison Griffiths MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.