London mayor Sadiq Khan set to back social media ban for under-16s
London mayor Sadiq Khan is expected to support a social media ban for under-16s unless platforms can prove they are safe for children.
Sadiq Khan is set to back a ban on social media for under-16s, arguing that technology companies must prove their platforms are safe for children or face restrictions.
The London mayor is expected to make the intervention during a speech in the capital on Tuesday (02.06.26), where he will address engineers, investors and technology founders.
His support for tougher restrictions comes as pressure grows on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to adopt Australia-style social media limits for children.
The government recently concluded a consultation examining young people’s online experiences, including proposals for under-16 bans, app curfews and restrictions on potentially addictive platform features.
While Starmer has promised "game-changer" action on online safety, ministers have not committed to a formal age-based ban.
Khan, who had previously called for the UK to monitor Australia’s approach, now appears ready to publicly endorse stricter action.
He is expected to say: "From food to pharmaceuticals, almost every company has to prove that its products are safe before they’re sold.
"I see no reason why social media firms shouldn’t do the same.
"Until they can prove that their platforms are safe for kids, a ban is the only way to stem the harms we know are happening right now."
However, Khan is also expected to warn that restrictions alone will not fully solve the problem.
The mayor will say: "Rather than just restricting access to social media, we must reimagine it.
"Londoners deserve platforms which prioritise people, not just profit, where connection does not carry such a heavy cost."
The mayor is also set to challenge technology firms over misogynistic content and harmful recommendation systems.
He will reportedly demand companies "explain how misogyny spreads like wildfire on their platforms – and publicly set out how they’ll adjust their algorithms to stop it".
Khan will add: "If they refuse to act, then the state must step up."
Alongside the speech, Khan will announce a £1 million support package focused on boys and young men across London.
The funding will include school and pupil referral support, fatherhood programmes and football mentoring initiatives delivered through the mayor’s violence reduction unit.
Khan is expected to warn that online misogyny risks creating "a lost generation of young men" and condemn so-called manosphere influencers as "snake oil salesmen".
