The UK government is reportedly weighing new regulations to limit children's access to popular social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat. The move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of excessive screen time on young people's mental health and online safety.
Why the Crackdown?
Officials are particularly worried about the addictive nature of these platforms and their potential to expose minors to harmful content. Recent studies have linked prolonged social media use to increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances among children and teenagers.
Potential Measures
While specific details remain under discussion, possible restrictions could include:
- Age verification checks
- Time limits for under-18 users
- Stricter content moderation
- Parental control requirements
Industry Response
Social media companies have previously resisted such measures, arguing they already provide adequate safety tools. However, critics claim these voluntary measures are insufficient and inconsistent across platforms.
The debate comes as part of broader discussions about implementing the Online Safety Act, which aims to make Britain 'the safest place in the world to be online'.
