Keir Starmer promises to ‘fight’ social media firms over addictive content

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised a “fight” with social media firms over efforts to keep children away from mobile phone, tablet and TV screens. Parents have been searching for what is appropriate screen time and social media use for their children without any help, Sir Keir said as he visited a school in South London. The Government has now issued guidance that advises parents of younger children to limit screen time for two to five-year-olds to an hour a day, and less if possible. For children under two, screen time should be avoided unless for shared activities that encourage children to interact with others, parents have also been advised. The Prime Minister said: “When there’s a lot going on, when children are having a tantrum, trying to find something to distract them is an obvious thing and I don’t think parents and carers have had any guidance at all yet about what would be appropriate, what might be best.” The Government is also currently consulting on how to protect children under the age of 16 online, which could include an Australia-style social media ban or measures like time limits and curfews. Subscribe to The Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/register for latest breaking news from the UK, US and around the world, plus podcasts and features. Evening Standard on socials: Check out our full video catalog: youtube.com/channel/UC7RQon_YwCnp_LbPtEwW65w?sub_confirmation=1 Videos, daily editorial and more: https://www.standard.co.uk/ Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TheLondonStandard Follow us on Twitter: x.com/theLDNstandard and Instagram: instagram.com/thelondonstandard