Children in West Cumbria will be better protected from online harm under landmark new government measures announced this week, with social media platforms set to be banned for under-16s.
The announcement follows an 18 month-long campaign led by Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister, who first brought proposals before Parliament in September 2024 calling for stronger protections for children online.
The new measures will require major social media platforms to prevent under-16s from accessing their services and will also introduce restrictions on harmful features such as contact from strangers and live streaming.
Josh, now the Minister for Children and Families, welcomed the announcement and said it marked a major step towards giving children “the childhood they deserve”.
Josh MacAlister MP said:
“A year ago, I stood in Parliament and argued that we could not simply accept a childhood shaped by addictive algorithms and online harms. I said then that we needed to move from warm words to real action within a year.
“Today, we are delivering on that promise.
“Technology brings enormous opportunities, but childhood should not be dictated by business models designed to maximise attention and keep children scrolling for as long as possible.
“These changes will help give children their childhood back and give parents greater confidence that their children are being protected online.”
Alongside the national changes, Josh is leading new work in West Cumbria to help families navigate the challenges of growing up online.
On Friday 3rd July, he will host a public meeting at the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre in Workington to discuss the impact of social media and technology on childhood, hear local experiences and outline the next steps following the Government’s action.
The meeting will also mark the launch of West Cumbria’s new Parent and Teacher Pact, a pioneering initiative led by Josh MacAlister MP in partnership with local schools designed to help families, schools and communities work together to support children through the challenges of growing up in a digital age.
Through the Pact, every family with a child starting Year 7 at St. Joseph’s, St. Benedict’s, West Lakes, Whitehaven or Workington academies or joining Energy Coast UTC from September will be offered free access to Triple P, one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world. The programme provides practical support on issues including screen time, online safety, mental wellbeing and building positive family relationships.
The Parent and Teacher Pact has been made possible through the support of Sellafield Ltd and the 80/20 Fund and will be delivered locally by Howgill Family Centre and the WELL Project.
Josh added:
“Changing the law is important, but it is not enough on its own. Parents are telling me they want practical support too.
“That is why I am delighted that, alongside these national reforms, we are launching West Cumbria’s Parent and Teacher Pact. It will give families access to world-class parenting support and help schools and parents work together to navigate the challenges of modern childhood.
“I would encourage parents, carers and young people to join me on 3rd July so that we can continue this conversation together and ensure West Cumbria helps lead the national debate on how we keep children safe online.”
You can register to attend the public meeting at joshmacalister.uk/meetjosh or by calling 01946 458023, leaving your name and address.
Josh MacAlister MP 