A Harms-Based Approach to Social Media

Parents across the country are increasingly worried about the impact of social media on children - and with good reason. Too many platforms expose young people to addictive design and harmful content, with too little accountability from the companies involved.

That’s why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a new system of age ratings for social media platforms, using a framework parents already understand and trust. Just as films are rated according to their content, online platforms should be rated according to the risks they pose to children.

The age-rating model would echo the film and video classification system established in the 1980s, adapting a trusted framework for the digital age. Under our proposal, platforms that rely on addictive algorithms would be restricted to over-16s, and platforms that host extreme content would be adults-only.

Big tech companies should not be allowed to profit at the expense of children’s wellbeing.

Our approach, targeting platforms based on the harms they pose, is the only one to receive broad support from both the NSPCC and 42 different experts and children's charities.

Now that the House of Lords has voted in favour of a total ban om social media for under-16s, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Cllr Chris Carubia said: “While we may differ on the best approach, children and young people must come first. The government now needs to consider our proposals carefully and consult widely to find the best solution that protects young people without cutting them off from the benefits of the digital world.”