Andy Burnham has expressed strong support for enforcing a social media and VPN ban for under-16s, continuing the policy initiated by Sir Keir Starmer, should he become Prime Minister. In a candid interview with The Times in April 2025, Burnham emphasized the urgent need to regulate social media use among teenagers, citing serious mental health concerns.
“It’s clear that from a mental health perspective, social media is harmful to young people. Why are we hesitating? If it’s not a ban, there must be something significant. We have to reconsider how we approach technology,” Burnham stated.
As the newly elected MP for Makerfield and a prime contender to succeed Starmer, Burnham further aligned with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch’s January 2026 endorsement of a social media ban for children. He remarked, “I find myself agreeing with much of what Kemi Badenoch says about children’s social media use. Many parents would welcome a bold, cross-party consensus on this issue.”
READ MORE: Aston Villa Face Challenge as Arsenal Eyes Morgan Rogers in £100m Transfer Bid
READ MORE: I Ditched My Curling Wand for Heated Rollers—Now 45% Off in Final Hours of Prime Day
Tech Policy Press confirms that Burnham “is unlikely to change course on the policy,” signaling firm commitment ahead of potential leadership.
Burnham has also advocated for bridging the “digital divide,” declaring digital access a fundamental human right. This points to a balanced approach that combines restricting harmful content with ensuring equitable digital inclusion.
Recently, Labour MP Lisa Nandy highlighted challenges surrounding the under-16 ban, particularly concerns from young people about navigating social media post-ban without prior experience. She emphasized the government’s investment in education programs to help youth safely understand and engage with online environments.
Nandy said, “We’re boosting funding to teach young people how to interpret what they see online and protect themselves. We want to provide trustworthy, high-quality online content and help children discern reliable information.”
She added that the policy would enhance parental oversight, fostering productive conversations between parents and children about online safety.
Many families, Nandy noted, prefer their children to spend time offline—playing with friends, developing new skills, and participating in sports. This policy would support that vision by backing youth services, including funding for transport to sports and youth clubs.
She described this initiative as the “biggest investment into youth in a generation,” reflecting a commitment not only to online safety but also to enriching children’s real-world experiences.