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Labour MP Joe Powell is backing a private members’ bill that could drastically reshape how young people interact with social media.
The proposed legislation would make online platforms less addictive for users under 16 by restricting businesses from collecting their data without parental consent. It also seeks to raise the “internet adulthood” age from 13 to 16, giving parents and teachers more control over children’s screen time.
Set for its second reading in the Commons on March 7, the bill stops short of banning smartphones for children but aims to curb excessive usage and its harmful effects.
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With growing concerns over mental health, sleep deprivation, and declining concentration in young people, the initiative is gaining traction—and it might just be the key to Labour’s fight against Reform UK’s rising popularity.
Overwhelming Public Support, Even Among Reform Voters
In the wake of Labour’s struggles in recent polls—where Reform UK has surged ahead—Powell believes his bill could be a game-changer. “This policy is hugely popular across the country, including with voters tempted by parties like Reform,” he told reporters.
A recent survey by pollsters More in Common backs his claim, revealing that 81% of Reform voters support raising the social media age limit to 16, compared to 75% of Labour supporters and 79% of Tory voters.
Additionally, 72% of respondents said social media has a negative impact on young people, highlighting a rare issue that cuts across party lines.
Grassroots organizations like Smartphone Free Childhood have also gained momentum, with more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and health professionals calling for urgent reforms to protect children from excessive screen time.
A Winning Strategy Against Reform UK?
With Labour facing pressure to reclaim voters from Reform UK, Powell’s bill presents a unique opportunity. Instead of mimicking Reform’s hardline stance on immigration—a move that has drawn criticism—Labour could champion an issue that resonates deeply with families.
Josh MacAlister, who originally introduced the bill, likened the needed changes to seatbelt legislation, calling for bold action to address the growing crisis of social media addiction among children.
Powell echoed this sentiment, warning that the harms of unchecked smartphone use could be “a bigger risk to children’s health than smoking.”
As Labour searches for strategies to counter Reform UK’s momentum, tackling the impact of social media on young people might not just be a smart policy move—it could be a vote-winner.
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The post Could Labour’s Smartphone Crackdown Win Back Reform UK Voters? appeared first on SurgeZirc UK.
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