Devon MP raises pressure on Government over social media risks facing under-16s

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has urged the Government to take further action to protect children under 16 from harmful content exposed to them on social media.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Smith questioned the Safeguarding Minister on whether current rules go far enough, stating that families are facing risks that existing safeguards do not properly address.

READ NEXT: Major Plymouth roadworks to resume as second phase at Woolwell takes shape from next week

“Whilst social media can be brilliant, there is now clear evidence that too many children are being exposed to violence, pornography, and other inappropriate material online,” Ms Smith said. 

She added that this exposure is linked to poorer mental health, anxiety, sleep problems and isolation among young people.

Ms Smith said there is growing support in Parliament for stronger protections, and noted that more than 60 Labour MPs have recently called on the Prime Minister to act, following pressure from Conservative MPs. 

The Conservative Party has proposed raising the age of “internet adulthood” from 13 to 16.

“It’s welcome that Labour MPs are finally catching up on this issue,” she said. “Parents have been raising these concerns for a while and Parliament needs to move at the pace the public expects.”

Ms Smith said online safety should be treated in the same way as protection in other areas of children’s lives. “The online world should not be an exception,” she said.

She also pointed to strong public backing, with a survey she carried out last May, revealing 98 per cent of respondents supporting raising the age limit to 16.

“The harm is real, the evidence is clear, and public support is there,” Ms Smith said. “The Government now has a responsibility to show leadership and act.”

Ms Smith was elected as Conservative MP for South West Devon in July 2024. 

The Moorlander has recently reported on a number of Rebecca’s activities affecting her constituents on Dartmoor.

Ms Smith has spoken in Parliament about horse and rider safety, welcomed the Government’s decision to drop plans for a mandatory digital ID scheme, and raised concerns about bus services linking Plymouth and Dartmoor.