“We can’t imagine a world without it, yet we know it can harm us”. That was how one local 14 year old at the Archer Academy in East Finchley described social media to me recently.”
Dear Resident,
Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that he will be resigning. I know you may be wondering what this means locally and nationally.
Over the past few years I have gotten to know Keir Starmer not only as the leader of the Labour Party and as the Prime Minister, but as a colleague and friend. He is a man of integrity.
In the last two years, we have achieved a great deal: economic stability, falling NHS waiting lists, lifting half a million children out of poverty including over 3000 here in Finchley and Golders Green, improving the rights of workers and renters. On the international stage, Keir has put our country where it needs to be, at the heart of global cooperation, with a closer relationship with Europe.
The challenges that we face are great, but we are on a more stable footing thanks to Keir and the decisions our government has made.
The recent announcement of a ban of under-16s from social media.
“We can’t imagine a world without it, yet we know it can harm us”. That was how one local 14 year old at the Archer Academy in East Finchley described social media to me recently.
I’ve spent the past few months touring local secondary schools listening to our young people’s views about social media, and how we should control it. In January, I launched a survey for local parents, and almost 900 of you responded in support of a ban. I presented these survey results to government ministers.
The facts are clear. Our children live in a digital world. 97% of 13-15 year olds have their own phone with social media.
Young people told me how social media supported their learning, helped them build community and creative skills like learning to skate.
But the harms were stark too, with teenagers who spend more time on social media experiencing poorer mental health. I heard how some local children had experienced cyber bullying or had been exposed to harmful and offensive content.
It is clear to me that people want action. As the mum to two young girls this is personal. I backed a ban. And now I am pleased that Government is acting on this.
Building on the example of Australia, this is a bold measure which will help parents, teachers and young people reclaim their childhood. Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube will be blocked for under-16s. WhatsApp and educational services, music streaming and platforms designed for kids will be permitted. In other words, we are keeping the good stuff. Regulations will be introduced in spring 2027.
As we take this forward, young people voices are critical to shaping how this will work. We want to build healthier online and offline spaces so they can thrive. I’d love your support in that. If you’d like me to visit your children’s school to discuss this or another topic, please contact my team.
Moments of the Month:
- East Finchley Festival in the sunshine.
- I took my girls to the Hampstead Garden Suburb RA Summer Fair! It was an excellent day and I went home with a new plant and a coconut from the coconut shy.
- Put through my paces at the Maccabi Fun Run.
- Hosting residents from Finchley Church End for a “Meet your Neighbours” in Parliament drinks reception followed by a tour.
- Bringing Neil and Stephen Kinnock to North Finchley for a discussion about the state of British politics.
- Celebrating Eid with students, parents and teachers at Martin Primary in East Finchley.
- Visiting the Archer Academy and Compton School to hear their views on on social media restrictions for under-16s.
Photo of the Month:
Me and my team with Neil and Stephen Kinnock discussing the state of politics at the Cypriot Brotherhood in North Finchley.
Finchley & Golders Green Fuel:
Rea’s Place at Childs Hill Park, who do amazing burek!
Community Champion:
Volunteers at Clitterhouse Farm who I joined to collect litter in their stream!
With best wishes,
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green