Social media ban for under-16s in London as Khan funds £1.5m summer scheme
Mayor says online restrictions alone will not curb youth crime and launches football-based activities across the capital
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Children under 16 in London will be banned from using social media platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram from next year. The government announced the restriction, which Sadiq Khan has long supported, as part of efforts to reduce youth violence and exploitation.
The Mayor of London said the ban alone will not be enough to address the issue. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Khan called for additional measures, including teaching young people critical-thinking skills and explaining the consequences of their actions.
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£1.5 million for summer activities
Khan announced a £1.5 million funding boost to deliver hundreds of activities for young Londoners during the summer holidays. The scheme, run by City Hall’s Violence Reduction Unit, will partner with the Premier League and 11 professional London football club charities to provide safe spaces and positive opportunities.
The Mayor said the summer holidays leave young people particularly vulnerable to exploitation and crime. He added that the funding will build on £100 million already invested in youth services, including 550,000 positive opportunities and mentoring for 130,000 young people.
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I want London to be the safest and best place to grow up for a young person anywhere in the world. The evidence shows unfortunately that during the summer holidays, young people are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and crime.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Lib Peck, director of the Violence Reduction Unit, said school holidays remove the safety and structure that schools provide. Alex White, chief executive of the Premier League Foundation, said football and sport can act as a hook to engage young people, though activities will also include arts, culture and media.
Devolution to tackle NEETs
Khan also discussed plans to reduce the number of young Londoners not in education, employment or training. He welcomed the government’s recent devolution announcement, which will give mayors more control over education for those aged 16 and over.
The Mayor said local leaders understand their communities better than civil servants in Whitehall. He has already met with senior ministers to discuss the issue and called the devolution announcement a significant step forward.
What happens next
The social media ban for under-16s is expected to come into force next year. The £1.5 million summer scheme will launch immediately, with activities running throughout the school holidays. City Hall will continue discussions with the government on devolution and support for NEETs.
Questions this report answers
+When will the social media ban for under-16s start?
The ban on children under 16 using TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram is expected to come into force next year. The government announced the restriction, which Sadiq Khan supports, as part of efforts to reduce youth violence and exploitation in London.
+How much is being spent on summer activities for young people?
Sadiq Khan has allocated £1.5 million to fund summer activities for young Londoners. The scheme, run by City Hall’s Violence Reduction Unit, will partner with the Premier League and 11 London football clubs to provide safe spaces and positive opportunities.
+Which football clubs are involved in the summer scheme?
The Premier League and 11 professional London football club charities are partnering with City Hall’s Violence Reduction Unit. The clubs will provide football sessions and other activities to keep young people safe during the summer holidays.
+What else is being done to reduce youth crime besides the social media ban?
Sadiq Khan said the social media ban alone will not stop youth crime. Additional measures include teaching critical-thinking skills, mentoring, and providing positive opportunities through sports, arts and culture. The Mayor has also secured £1.5 million for summer activities.
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