Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled a rapid three-month government consultation focused on potentially banning children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. This decisive move comes amid escalating concerns about the detrimental effects of online environments on young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Exploring Comprehensive Protective Measures
The consultation will rigorously examine a suite of potential interventions designed to shield minors from digital harms. Key proposals under consideration include raising the digital age of consent, which currently allows children as young as 13 to join many platforms under parental permission. Furthermore, the government is evaluating the implementation of overnight curfews to restrict access during late hours and the introduction of mandatory breaks to combat excessive, addictive usage patterns often described as 'doomscrolling'.
International Insights and Domestic Reviews
As part of this evidence-gathering phase, ministers are scheduled to visit Australia to study the impacts of its pioneering social media ban for under-16s, which was enacted in December. This international benchmarking aims to inform the UK's policy development. Concurrently, Ofsted, the schools inspectorate, will be formally requested to assess how educational institutions are implementing existing government guidance concerning screen time and mobile phone usage within school premises.
A Response to Growing Public Anxiety
This initiative is a direct response to mounting public and parliamentary anxiety regarding the toxicity prevalent on some social media platforms and the broader spectrum of online risks facing children. The consultation period is designed to be swift, with a final verdict anticipated by the summer, signalling the government's commitment to addressing this issue with urgency. The outcomes could herald significant changes in how young people interact with digital social spaces, prioritising safety and healthy development over unrestricted access.
