The damage that social media is doing to society cannot be understated, especially to younger generations. What started as a harmless means of communication amongst adults is now out of control.

The thirst for profits has seen tech companies abandon the moral obligation to introduce safeguards on their platforms. In effect they have monetised the misery of people young and old alike.

It is clear that this isn’t just a moral panic that is going to pass in time. Rather a societal issue that demands action.

For the second time this week, the Government has talked tough against technology companies for failing to protect children. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall joins Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in threatening firms that have failed to take action on harmful content being shared on their platforms.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall arrives for a Cabinet meeting. PIC: Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

placeholder image — Technology Secretary Liz Kendall arrives for a Cabinet meeting. PIC: Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

Ms Kendall said social media companies “had their chance”. She added: “Time and time and time again, they have had a chance to put this right. The question isn’t if we’re going to act, it’s how.”

But it remains just that - tough talk. The problems have been known for some time and if there is one thing that comes close to there being a political consensus on, it is the need to bring social media companies to heel. Until the public sees action, they will view this as more political posturing.

The fact that FOI data obtained by ITV shows more than 100,000 criminal offences had been linked to social media app Snapchat since 2021, including multiple counts of rape and assault, suggests that action is long overdue. Banning social media for under-16s should just be the start. They should also be treated as publishers in law.