politics

Wes Streeting asks US expert Jonathan Haidt to address officials on social media ban for under-16s

14 Ocak 2026The Guardian

🤖AI Özeti

Wes Streeting, the UK Health Secretary, has invited Jonathan Haidt, a prominent advocate for banning social media for those under 16, to speak to officials about potential restrictions in the UK. This move comes as the UK government considers adopting similar measures to those recently implemented in Australia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed openness to introducing stricter regulations for young people's social media use.

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The invitation to Jonathan Haidt highlights a growing concern among UK officials regarding the impact of social media on youth. By looking to Australia as a model, the UK may be signaling a shift towards more proactive measures to protect children online. However, the effectiveness of such bans remains a topic of debate, raising questions about the balance between regulation and freedom of expression.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

Australia has recently enacted a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16, prompting discussions in other countries about similar restrictions. The UK government is now exploring the implications and potential benefits of implementing such a policy, reflecting broader global concerns over the mental health effects of social media on young users.

This article is based on information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change as new developments arise.