SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed UK Government moves to improve online safety for young people, but warned they must not replace robust action to hold technology firms to account for the content they promote, the products they design, and the harms they continue to profit from.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said protecting children requires governments to challenge business models that chase engagement at any cost, rather than relying solely on youth-focused restrictions or placing the burden on children, parents and schools.

She said: "For too long, social media companies have treated the harms on their platforms as someone else's problem. They have designed products to keep young people online for longer while failing to act quickly enough on bullying, exploitation, misinformation and other harmful content. Features like infinite scroll, auto-play and constant notifications are built to maximise engagement and are central to how these platforms operate. "The SDLP has consistently supported action to address this issue because we recognise the significant harm that social media giants are causing, particularly to young people and to our public discourse. Measures to curb some of the most addictive platform features are a positive step, but they are only part of the solution. The real responsibility lies with the companies that design these platforms, amplify harmful content and profit from keeping people engaged.

"Parents and schools have an important role to play, but they cannot regulate global technology companies. That is the responsibility of government. The priority now must be making platforms accountable for the content they host and the way they design their services, with meaningful consequences when they fail to protect young people.

"If this marks the start of a more serious approach to online safety, it is welcome. But the real test will be whether governments finally require social media companies to make their platforms safer by design."