Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has stated that a social media ban for under-16s is 'not on the cards at the moment', despite ongoing discussions about protecting young people online. Speaking to the Guardian, Kyle said such a ban is 'not my preferred choice' and that there is 'no work programme at the moment on banning smartphones to children'.
The comments follow the Australian government's introduction of legislation to ban social media for under-16s, one of the strictest controls globally. Kyle confirmed he is in contact with Australian officials to understand the basis for their policy.
Kyle emphasised that his primary concern is preventing child deaths linked to social media, having met parents of children who died by suicide or were murdered following online activity. He has ordered new research into social media harms and aims to shift towards 'safety baked in from the outset' in platform design.
The Safer Phones Bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister and set for debate in March, includes a mechanism for banning social media for under-16s. Meanwhile, Kyle is expected to ask Ofcom to report on progress with the Online Safety Act, which will impose greater responsibility on tech companies to protect children when it comes into force in spring.
Childline operators reportedly receive around 10 calls daily from children experiencing harm from social media. The Department for Science, Technology and Innovation has been contacted for comment.
