Amanda Holden, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, publcly urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to be “kicked out” after weeks of delay on a proposed ban that would stop anyone under 16 from accessing social‑media platforms. Speaking on Heart FM, the mother of a 14‑year‑old daughter said she would delete every social‑media app from her child’s phone to protect her.. The outburst adds fresh momentum to a growing political push for stricter online‑safety rules.

Holden’s Call to Kick Out Keir Starmer Over Under‑16 Ban Delay

During a live breakfast interview, Holden accused Starmer of “dragging his feet” on legislation that enjoys broad public support, suggesting the prime minister cares more about his leadership image than child safety. She said the government’s sluggishness is “unacceptable” and announced her personal ban on apps for her 14‑year‑old, describing the move as “balls y”. According to the source, Holden’s frustration mirrors a wave of parental anger that has been building since the consultation on online safety began earlier this year.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Measures to Hold Tech Firms Accountable

Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly backed proposals that would require platforms to prove they are safe for minors, warning that firms could be barred from serving users under 16 if they fail to comply. The source notes that Khan’s stance aligns with a broader UK push to make tech companies answerable for harmful content, echoing similar moves in the EU’s Digital Services Act. This mayoral support gives the parliamentary debate a higher profile and pressures ministers to act quickly.

Australia’s December 2023 Under‑16 Ban Serves as Policy Blueprint

UK policymakers are reviewing evidence from Australia, which rolled out a nationwide ban on social‑media accounts for under‑16s in December 2023. The Australian model, cited in the source, includes mandatory age‑verification tools and penalties for non‑compliant platforms. While the British government has not yet committed to identical measures, the Australian experience is being used to gauge potential impacts on mental‑health outcomes and platform enforcement costs.

What Remains Unclear About the UK Ban Timeline

The source leaves several key points unresolved: first , whether the legislation will mandate age‑verification or simply advise platforms to restrict access; second , the exact date by which the ban could become law; and third, how the government will enforce compliance without stifling innovation. critics argue that without clear deadlines, the proposal risks becoming another “talk‑only” initiative, while supporters claim the review process is necessary to avoid unintended consequences.

Holden’s History of Leveraging Celebrity for Political Pressure

Holden is not new to confronting Starmer; she previously demanded compensation for Post Office Horizon scandal victims on live television. The source highlights that her interventions often coincide with high‑profile moments , using her platform to amplify issues affecting children and vulnerable groups. this pattern suggests a strategic use of celebrity influence to keep child‑online safety on the political agenda.