Harborough MP Backs Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Harborough’s Conservative MP Neil O’Brien is supporting calls to ban social media for children under 16.

He cites concerns over online bullying, harmful content, anxiety, sleep problems, and disruption in schools, and says he has heard directly from families and schools locally about the pressures children face online.

Last year, Neil took part in a ‘Tackling the Screendemic’ event at Woodland Grange Primary School in Oadby, which was heavily attended by parents worried about excessive screen use and online risks.

As someone who also leads on policy formulation for the Conservative Party, he says the move would give parents more support and protection.

Neil O’Brien MP

The call for a ban has also been backed by over 60 Labour MPs, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying all options are on the table.

The Conservatives say they would impose the measure if elected. However, child protection charities warn that banning all under-16s could push teenagers into “darker, unregulated” corners of the internet, creating new safety risks.

Neil spoke to HFM: