Since the internet was created, we’ve been playing catch-up to make sure legislation protects people from the harms associated with it.  

As a society, we already restrict activities which have historically caused harm to us, including smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption and gambling. However, we’re still learning about the effects of social media on individuals as platforms evolve over time.  

Despite attempts to safeguard users, there is still a proliferation of harms like graphic and sexual content, online grooming and radicalisation taking place across different platforms. While they’re still growing and developing, young people are particularly sensitive to these issues. 

In Crewe and Nantwich, I often hear from worried parents whose children are struggling with mental health issues, something which we know is linked to their ever-increasing screentime and the type of content they are targeted with on social media. 

More than 500 children are being referred for anxiety every day in England alone. A rise from 0 to 5 hours in screentime is associated with double the rate of depression in boys, and triple in girls.  

As your MP, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many schools and meet fantastic teachers, preparing students for the world of work to use technology to their benefit. We know that it can be a huge asset to productivity in young people, but the negative impacts of social media in particular need to be managed. 

I’m also aware of the challenges facing parents today, which make monitoring their child’s online presence virtually impossible. I believe this responsibility lies firmly with social media companies to regulate usage. 

That’s why I took the decision to sign a joint letter with Labour colleagues urging the Prime Minister to introduce restrictions on the use of social media for those under the age of 16. 

We’ve already seen the government taking bold steps in this manner through the introduction of the Online Safety Act last year, requiring social media companies to verify the ages of users before allowing access to adult content. 

This isn’t about interfering in family matters or restricting freedom of speech, it is about giving our children the freedom to be themselves, protected from online threats until they are fully equipped to navigate social media properly. 

With a young family myself, I do not take this decision lightly. Aside from the growing body of research on the negative impacts of social media on young people, I think about the environment that I want my daughter growing up in, and the influence social media may have on that. 

Many of you will have seen that a similar law has just been passed in Australia. This has been welcomed by parents and is expected to be rolled out across other countries like France, Greece and Norway. As successful examples of its implementation come about, the case for a similar law in the UK only becomes stronger. 

I understand that this policy should be led by parents and that any decision to restrict social media usage must have the support of the public. That’s why I’m glad to see that the government will be launching a consultation to hear from parents, children, schools and other interested parties.  

I will be sharing this consultation with my constituents as soon as it’s live, and encourage anyone affected by this topic to complete it. Above all, we have to make sure the harms facing children online are addressed, just as we do in the real world.