London - As the UK government deliberates on new online safety measures, a coalition of child safety advocates is pushing for equitable solutions that prioritize the well-being of all children, particularly those from marginalized communities, over simplistic blanket social media bans. The NSPCC, Molly Rose Foundation, and Smartphone Free Childhood have united to advocate for targeted restrictions on platforms that pose the greatest risk to young users, emphasizing the need for tech companies to prioritize safety over profit.

The campaigners argue that an outright ban on social media for under-16s, similar to the approach taken in Australia, could inadvertently create a 'safety cliff edge' for vulnerable teenagers. Such a ban might cut off vital support networks and access to information, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ youth, young people with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds who rely on online platforms for community and resources.

Instead, the coalition is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to mandate strict safety standards for tech platforms seeking to serve users under 16. This includes eliminating or mitigating 'risky' features like infinite scrolling, disappearing messages, and manipulative push notifications that exploit children's developing brains and contribute to addiction and mental health issues.

The letter to Starmer underscores the complexity of online safety, rejecting the false dichotomy between banning children from social media and allowing unchecked access. Campaigners believe that platforms should only be granted the 'privilege' of serving young users if they can demonstrably prove their commitment to child safety.

The proposal aligns with the broader movement for digital justice, which seeks to ensure that technology serves the interests of all members of society, not just the wealthy and powerful. By demanding accountability from tech companies, the campaigners are challenging the prevailing model of unregulated capitalism that has allowed these platforms to amass vast profits while exposing children to harm.

The government's consultation on online safety measures presents a crucial opportunity to address these systemic issues. In addition to considering restrictions on specific features like livestreaming and location sharing, policymakers must also examine the algorithms that amplify harmful content and the lack of transparency surrounding data collection and usage.