What to do about Sunak’s silly plan to curb social media for under-16s? Highlight and delete

‘The broadside against teenagers appears to be little more than an attempt to attract the interest of the Daily Mail.’ Photograph: Justin Lambert/Getty Images

Rishi Sunak’s government says a lot and does very little. And the mooted plans to consult on a crackdown on social media access for teenagers in the new year is likely another example of that. We are told to expect a consultation in January that could limit access to social media for under-16s, up to and including outright bans on access to sites like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

Keen to be seen to be tough on issues that vex the electorate, Sunak can suggest a proposal and appear noble – without ever having to follow through on it.