INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightFacebook/AFP/GoogleImage caption
Jeremy Hunt has written to a number of internet companies, including
Facebook and Google
Jeremy Hunt has threatened social media firms with new laws if they don't do more to protect children
online.In a letter to companies including Facebook and Google, the health secretary accused them of "turning a blind eye" to their impact on
The firms have until the end of April to outline action on cutting underage use, preventing cyber bullying, and promoting healthy screen
Mr Hunt said the current situation was "unfair to parents".The age requirement to sign up to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat is 13
- although Snapchat has launched a version for under 13-year-olds
To use WhatsApp or to have a YouTube account, you must also be at least 13
Mr Hunt met with social media companies six months ago to discuss how to improve the mental health of young people who use the technology
At the time, a spokesman from Facebook said they looked forward to working with the government "to make sure we do everything we can to
protect people's wellbeing." In an article for today's Sunday Times, Mr Hunt said there had been "a lot of of warm words" and "a few welcome
moves" to improve online protection since
But he said the overall response had been "extremely limited" - leading him to conclude a voluntary, joint approach would not be good enough
"None are easy issues to solve I realise, but an industry that boasts some of the brightest minds and biggest budgets should have been able
to rise to the challenge," said Mr Hunt.In his letter to the internet firms, Mr Hunt said: "I am concerned that your companies seem content
with a situation where thousands of users breach your own terms and conditions on the minimum user age
"I fear that you are collectively turning a blind eye to a whole generation of children being exposed to the harmful emotional side effects
of social media prematurely."This is both morally wrong and deeply unfair to parents who are faced with the invidious choice of allowing
children to use platforms they are too young to access, or excluding them from social interaction that often the majority of their peers are
engaging in."He added: "It is unacceptable and irresponsible for you to put parents in this position."Mr Hunt said the government would not
rule out introducing new legislation to tackle the issue come May, when it publishes its response to the Internet Safety Strategy
consultation.The health secretary has also asked the chief medical officer to launch a review into the impact of technology on the mental
health of children and young people
