SIR Keir Starmer faces a “triple whammy” of demands to stop under-16s accessing social media platforms.
The Prime Minister is under pressure from the Tories, potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham and a teaching union to boost restrictions.
Ministers say the social media ban for youngsters in Australia is being monitored closely.
But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she would introduce the ban if in power — to stop big tech firms profiting from youngsters’ anxieties.
The mum of three said: “What we want to see is common sense.
“We want protection for children and freedom for adults.”
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She called social media “a Wild West” and said her party does not think kids should use it.
Greater Manchester’s Labour mayor Mr Burnham said: “I find myself agreeing with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch is saying about children and social media.”
Matt Wrack, the general secretary of teachers’ union NASUWT, said: “Teachers are dealing every day with the fallout of a social media landscape.
“It was not originally designed for and is not suitable for children.”
He said social media firms “will not act responsibly” unless forced to.
He added that a ban would cut bad behaviour and safeguard kids.
