Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to announce a ban on social media for under-16s within days, as the children's commissioner for England calls for the restriction to be extended to cover teenagers under 18.
Prime Minister's Plans
The Prime Minister is said to be preparing to unveil plans to restrict online activity for children to protect them from harmful content, following a nationwide consultation that closed last month. Multiple reports suggest he will take this step before the Makerfield by-election on June 18, which could see potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham return to Parliament.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has already expressed support for the proposal, stating that tech firms must prove their services are safe for children or face a ban on being available to under-16s.
Children's Commissioner's View
Children's commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza proposed that any ban should be extended to cover 16 and 17-year-olds, who she said should not have "lesser protection". "We need action to address technology companies' unfettered access to children, often through features designed in ways that increase harm," Dame Rachel told The Telegraph.
Separate Consultation on Screentime
Meanwhile, a separate consultation will lead to guidance for parents on when a child should get their first smartphone and how long under-16s should spend in front of screens. A short three-week call for evidence has been launched to produce this guidance, which will also seek views on screen use in schools.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced, and they deserve clear, practical support they can trust. Some will argue the answer is to turn back the clock and return to a world of only pens and paper. I disagree. Used well, technology can open up opportunities for children with Send, personalise support and help more children succeed. We want every child to benefit from technology's opportunities without sacrificing the things that matter most – their learning, their wellbeing and their childhood."
International Context
Ministers have been examining evidence from Australia, which imposed a blanket ban in December. The Sun on Sunday reported that the UK clampdown will exclude a number of apps, including YouTube Kids.
Dame Rachel added: "Young people get huge benefits from technology – but despite wanting to spend less time on screens they tell me they find it hard to put their devices down."
