The Liberal Democrats have proposed a novel approach to regulating children's access to social media, suggesting film-style age ratings to restrict access to certain platforms. The party's plan would categorize social media apps based on content and features, with platforms using addictive algorithms or hosting "inappropriate content" limited to users over 16, and sites featuring "graphic violence or pornography" restricted to those 18 and older.

This proposal contrasts with the Conservative party's suggestion of an outright ban on social media for those under 16, a move the Lib Dems argue could have "unintended consequences." The debate around children's social media use has intensified recently, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicating openness to a complete ban, stating that "all options are on the table." He noted he would be monitoring the effects of a similar ban recently implemented in Australia.

The Australian law, which took effect in December, mandates that social media companies like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and TikTok take "reasonable steps" to prevent children from accessing their platforms. These companies can use methods such as government-issued IDs or facial and voice recognition to verify users' ages.

The Lib Dems' proposal taps into a familiar cultural framework, leveraging the established understanding of film age ratings to guide parents and young people. This approach could resonate with audiences already accustomed to these ratings in other media, potentially making it easier to understand and implement.

Industry insiders suggest that implementing such a system would present significant technical and logistical challenges for social media companies. Accurately assessing the content and algorithms of each platform and consistently enforcing age restrictions would require substantial resources and ongoing monitoring. The cultural impact of such a system could be significant, potentially altering how teenagers engage with social media and influencing the content they consume. The proposal's audience appeal lies in its potential to offer a balanced approach, protecting younger users while allowing older teens to access a wider range of online content.