Harborough MP welcomes plans to increase social media age limit to 16

Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from accessing social media platforms last month, and Mr O’Brien said he supported a similar move in the UK.

“I’ve been leading the case for raising the age of consent for social media to 16 because too many children are being exposed to things they simply aren’t ready for," the MP said.

“Parents and schools have been telling me for some time that the current situation isn’t working."

Last year, Mr O’Brien took part in a Tackling the Screendemic event at Woodland Grange Primary School in Oadby, where he heard from parents concerned about excessive screen use by children and young people.

“The Screendemic event last year made clear just how worried parents are," he added.

“Issues like bullying, anxiety, sleep disruption and exposure to inappropriate material are now everyday concerns for families.”

“I am planning to hold another similar event in the coming months.”

“This is about backing parents and giving children more protection online.”

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