The UK may ban under-16 social media and limit app screen time
The UK government is set to gather public opinions on implementing stricter regulations regarding children’s access to social media and smartphones. This includes the potential introduction of an Australian-style ban for those under 16 years old, as reported. The decision arises in response to increasing worries regarding the effects of prolonged screen exposure and the addictive nature of online functionalities on youth. The consultation, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, will detail various strategies aimed at mitigating detrimental internet usage among children, including establishing a higher digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews, and restricting features deemed addictive, such as gaming “streaks” and infinite social media scrolling.
The government is investigating whether specific design elements employed by apps and platforms promote extended usage and dependency, especially among children and teenagers, the report stated. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from within the Labour Party to support stringent measures, including establishing a minimum age for social media usage on platforms like TikTok. This precedes a vote in the House of Lords set for Wednesday. An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill suggests prohibiting social media usage for those under the age of 16, mirroring a comparable policy implemented in Australia last month.
The proposed amendment enjoys bipartisan support, with signatories including Labour’s Baroness Luciana Berger, Liberal Democrat Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Conservative Lord John Nash. The consultation aims to gather insights from both parents and young individuals. Ministers are planning visits to Australia to evaluate the effectiveness of the under-16 ban on platforms deemed potentially harmful, including X and TikTok, where users must undergo stringent age verification checks prior to gaining access. The UK government will also release updated screen time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16, alongside the consultation.
The report highlighted the objective of tackling worries regarding the growing influence of digital devices on children’s daily routines. The government will also enhance guidance for schools, emphasizing that classrooms must be designated as phone-free environments, prohibiting device use during lessons, breaks, or between classes. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated, “Mobile phones have no place in schools.” No ifs, no buts. Companies that do not comply may incur fines reaching as high as $49.5 million ($33 million), with Australia having become the first democracy to implement such extensive restrictions to address concerns over cyberbullying, harmful content, and children’s mental health.
