When the prime minister announced a temporary ban on social media for under-16s in the UK, it was a bold move. But as Sir Keir Starmer himself admitted, there is no silver bullet.

The ban, dubbed 'Australia Plus,' is designed to curb harmful online activity, but its effectiveness remains questionable. The Australian model has faced issues with age verification and enforcement, leading to many teenagers still having active accounts despite the ban.

While some argue that the ban will not be a magic fix, there are significant concerns about pushing children into unregulated spaces where they may face even greater risks. Industry insiders suggest that tech companies, such as Apple and Google, might bear much of the responsibility for enforcing the ban, which could prove challenging within the deadline.

The potential impact on younger generations who have grown up with social media is profound. Platforms like YouTube, included in the ban, were often essential learning tools and communities for many teens. Banning them could push children towards darker corners of the internet where safety measures are non-existent or minimal.