British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday called on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to end their "infinite scrolling" features, which he deemed addictive and harmful to young users. This stance comes amid a growing debate about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of teenagers.
Speaking to the BBC, Keir Starmer denounced features designed to excessively capture attention, arguing that they encourage users to spend hours consuming content without interruption. "These mechanisms are very problematic. They need to go," he said.
The British government is currently considering several measures to regulate social media use among minors, including partial bans, digital curfews, and time limits. Consultations are also underway regarding a total ban on access to platforms for those under 16.
These initiatives aim to assess the effects of these restrictions on young people's sleep, family life, and academic performance. They also address growing parental concerns, who are calling for stricter regulation of algorithms accused of promoting addictive behaviors.
The UK is drawing inspiration from international examples, notably Australia, which recently became the first country to ban access to social media for those under 16. Other countries, such as Greece and Indonesia, have also adopted similar measures.
This debate highlights the growing pressure on digital giants to adapt their practices, as governments seek to better protect young people from the risks associated with the intensive use of social media platforms.
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