Cleveland PCC Matt Storey has backed Government plans to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s.
He said: “I am supportive of the ban. It’s clear that action needs to be taken to keep young people safe online.
“Through our work on Shape your Safety, we’ve learnt from local young people that they want tougher regulation of social media.
“My concern is making sure any ban is workable and watertight. I also think that we need tougher legislation to hold social media companies accountable for some of the dangerous content published on their platforms.”
Most of the young people who took part in Shape your Safety: Young Voices in 2025 wanted greater regulation online.
Participants highlighted that more needs to be done to reduce harm from scammers, sexual predators and abusers.
The Government announced plans to stop young people accessing platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X earlier this week.
There will also be blocks on harmful functions for under-16s such as livestreaming and stranger communication with children.
The Government plans to set out plans in more detail next month. Plans are expected to include consideration of overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18-year-olds.