Wes Streeting asks US expert Jonathan Haidt to address officials on social media ban for under-16s

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Kiran Stacey Policy editorJanuary 14, 2026 at 08:00 AM

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UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has invited Jonathan Haidt, author of "Anxious Generation" and advocate for banning social media for under-16s, to speak to officials, charities, and MPs. This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer expresses openness to stricter limits on young people's social media access, following Australia's lead. Starmer's shift reflects growing consensus in Westminster, influenced by concerns over issues like AI-generated sexualized images. Other party leaders, including Ed Davey, Nigel Farage, and Kemi Badenoch, have also indicated openness to a ban. While there is growing support, government ministers are divided on the feasibility and impact of such a ban.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Conservative Party (UK) 30% Andy Burnham 30% Liberal Democrats 40% Ed Davey 40% Nigel Farage 40% Reform UK 40% Kemi Badenoch 40% Fleur Anderson 50% Australia ×270% Keir Starmer ×470% Jonathan Haidt ×380% Wes Streeting ×290%

Keywords

social media ban 100% under-16s 90% mental health 70% jonathan haidt 70% keir starmer 60% smartphones in schools 60% australia 50% uk 50% westminster consensus 40% ai tool 40%