The Education Secretary has stated that any restrictions on children's social media use must be designed to endure, as the Government moves towards implementing age or functionality limits for under-16s.
Government commits to action
Bridget Phillipson confirmed that the Government will introduce measures to protect young people online, though it may not go as far as an outright ban. Speaking to Times Radio, she said: “It’s not a question of whether we take further action to protect young people, it’s the shape of that action, what that looks like.”
The announcement came during parliamentary debates on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, following pressure from the House of Lords. Peers had voted four times to push for a complete ban, similar to Australia’s approach.
Concerns over screen time and addictive features
Ms Phillipson expressed worries about the content children are exposed to online and the amount of time they spend on screens. She told Sky News: “I’m concerned about some of the addictive features and the way that it hooks young people and keeps them there.”
She emphasised the need for effective, lasting measures: “I don’t want to be coming back here in a year or two’s time saying ‘actually what we’ve put forward hasn’t been effective’. We need to design something that stands the test of time.”
Political and campaigner reactions
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott called the move “a huge victory” after months of delay, crediting bereaved parents who campaigned for change. Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was murdered in 2023, has supported a ban.
Lord Nash, who led the Lords’ push, described the concession as “a huge step forward for our children’s safety online”. He thanked colleagues and campaigners, saying: “They did it so that no other family would have to live through what they have lived through.”
Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation welcomed decisive action but warned against a blanket ban, urging the Government to force tech companies to make products safe as part of a comprehensive Online Safety Act.
