Keir Starmer makes urgent plea to dads over social media

EXCLUSIVE: Keir Starmer makes urgent plea to dads over social mediaA Government consultation on keeping kids safe online has had nearly 50,000 responses, but the PM Keir Starmer revealed far more of these had come from mums than dadsCommentsNewsAlexander Brown Assistant Political Editor and Lizzy Buchan Political Editor22:30, 18 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesThe Government is running a consultation on social media(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Keir Starmer has called for more dads to have their say about how to keep children safe online.‌A Government consultation on keeping kids safe online has had nearly 50,000 responses, but the PM revealed far more of these had come from mums than dads.‌The plea comes ahead of a Childhood in the Age of AI summit on Monday, where Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and the NSPCC will meet young people to discuss how AI and technology are shaping childhood.‌READ MORE: Keir Starmer delivers stark ultimatum to tech giants in Downing Street showdownREAD MORE: Which social media sites could face UK ban - as PM meets Facebook and GoogleView 2 ImagesThe PM has urged more dads to contribute to the consultation on social media(Image: AP)Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Starmer explained he wanted his children to grow up safe, and knew how hard it could be to control what they see online. He said: “The weight of that responsibility, and the scale of what’s at stake for our children, is always at the forefront of my mind – and I know mums and dads across the country feel the same way.‌"That’s why last week I called the biggest social media companies into Downing Street to deliver a clear message on parents’ behalf: they must do better, and they must do it now. We’ve already had nearly 50,000 responses to our consultation on children’s online wellbeing – but far more have come from mums than dads. I want to hear from more fathers too, because your voice matters."For too long, many parents have felt that they’ve been left alone to navigate the challenge...