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Social media as dangerous to young people as smoking, doctors say
More than 90% of surveyed physicians backed age-based limits, and Doctors Manitoba said social media and screen time rank among the top risks to youth health.
- A report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said social media "ranks alongside smoking and wearing seatbelts in cars as a unifying force for the medical profession," documenting doctors seeing a "wave of radicalised children from exposure to hateful, addictive and grossly distressing content."
- Momentum for youth social media bans is building globally, with Australia implementing the world's first ban in December for under-16s, while France, EU members and Brazil pursue similar restrictions.
- A Doctors Manitoba survey of more than 240 physicians conducted April 30 to May 15 found 90.4 per cent support restricting social media and AI chatbots, ranking these platforms as a greater health risk than substance use or injuries.
- The government's Growing Up In The Online World consultation closes on Tuesday with more than 70,000 participants engaged; ministers committed in April to introducing age or functionality restrictions regardless of outcome, with proposals by summer and legislation planned before year-end.
- Beyond age bans, 25 organisations are demanding systemic reform including restrictions on targeted advertising, bans on personalised services for under-13s and stronger AI regulation, with former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner questioning why government cannot make a clear decision.
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Evening Standard+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Streeting likens social media to tobacco as pressure grows for under-16s ban
The Government’s consultation closes at the end of Tuesday.
·London, United Kingdom
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Wes Streeting joins crusade for internet clampdown 'because social media is like tobacco'
Wes Streeting has joined a deluge of calls for a ban on "unhealthy" social media - despite fears of a "dangerous path" towards a nanny state.The former Health Secretary claimed large technology companies were avoiding regulations, likening them to the tobacco lobby, as he demanded furhter restrictions on internet usage.The Government will close a consultation on a ban today, with ministers set to make a decision based on its findings within week…
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
L 19%
C 76%
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