UK Police Chiefs Urge Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Senior police leaders cite online harms and rising youth criminality as they push for a legislative ban, with The Times Crime and Justice Commission expected to back the proposal imminently.

• Senior UK police figures are calling for a ban on social media access for users under 16, citing its role in fostering violence, misogyny, and extremist behavior.
• The Times Crime and Justice Commission is set to recommend the measure as a key step to address online harms and youth criminality in its upcoming report.
• Police chiefs argue that social media platforms enable youth radicalisation and real-world violence, with some comparing the online environment to an unregulated 'Wild West.'
• Australia's recent legislation banning under-16s from social media serves as a model, with UK authorities exploring similar measures to protect young users.
• Polling shows strong public support for the ban, with two-thirds of Britons favoring restrictions to shield children from harmful online content.

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