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13 Jul 2026
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7.30 pm
- 10.00 pm
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16 St Peter's Street
St Albans
UK
AL1 3NA
Social Media - A Harms-Based Approach or a Blanket Ban?
The Liberal Democrat perspective regarding the ban on social media is to support stronger protections for children online, through a targeted, harm-based approach rather than an outright blanket ban on all social media.
In 2026, the party proposed a system similar to film age ratings, where the most harmful platforms would be restricted for under-16s while educational and low-risk services could still be used.
We will discuss the following points:
1. Protect children, not punish everyone
- The internet isn't all harmful.
- Educational platforms, family messaging apps, and community groups can be valuable for young people.
- Instead of banning every social media platform, classify platforms by the level of harm they pose, just as films have age ratings.
2. Hold tech companies accountable
- The real problem is that many platforms are designed to maximise engagement using addictive algorithms.
- Companies should be legally required to make their platforms safer for children by removing harmful content, improving moderation, and designing services with children's well-being in mind.
- Responsibility should not fall solely on children and parents.
3. Balance safety with freedom and privacy
- Liberal Democrats traditionally value individual freedom and privacy.
- Any age verification or restrictions should be proportionate and should not create unnecessary surveillance or collect excessive personal data.
- Children deserve protection, but they also have rights that should be respected.
https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/a-harms-based-approach-to-social-media
Feel free to bring your Lib Dem voting family and friends who might be curious to learn more about SALD.
If you haven't been to the Saint & Sinner before, they have some great food choices to accompany your drinks.
https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/saint-sinner/
See you there!
SALD Membership Team