Minister says tech firms have had ‘more than enough time’ to act on social media safety for teenagers

‘Vast majority’ of people support a social media ban for under-16s, culture secretary sayspublished at 09:44 BST

09:44 BST

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Watch: ‘No one solution’ to keep children safe on social media – Nandy

Lisa Nandy says it’s clear that urgent action is needed on social media safety for young people, with the prime minister due to make an announcement tomorrow.

“We know that there hasn’t been enough in the way of regulation, and we know that there are wider measures that are needed as well,” the culture secretary tells Laura Kuenssberg.

The minister says she doesn’t want to “pre-empt the prime minister’s announcement”, but says the “vast majority” of people who responded during consultations were in support of a social media ban for under-16s.

“That came through not just from parents and campaigners, it did also come through from many young people themselves, who are feeling that they’re being pulled into something quite toxic at a very young age.”

Nandy says the government cannot stand by when young people clearly need help.

“The tech companies have had more than enough time to get their own house in order, and to be able to create products that keep children safe online.

“If they’re not prepared to do it, they lose the right to market their products towards children,” she says.