Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing pressure from youth organisations and campaigners after backing tougher social media restrictions for children and teenagers, with critics arguing that broad bans fail to recognise the complex role digital platforms play in young people's lives.
The debate has intensified following proposals aimed at limiting access to social media for under-16s and strengthening online safety protections. Supporters say stricter measures are necessary to address concerns around mental health, harmful content, cyberbullying and addictive platform features. However, many young people argue that blanket restrictions risk treating all online experiences as harmful while overlooking the educational, social and community benefits digital platforms can provide.
