Plans to restrict smartphone usage for children, including a potential social media ban for those under 16 years old and overnight app curfews, could be unveiled within the coming months. The proposals have been disclosed by the government, with Tech Secretary Liz Kendall emphasizing the need to act swiftly to restore childhood and prepare young people for the future.
Mounting Pressure for Action
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced increasing calls to implement a social media ban for under-16s, particularly after Australia introduced a similar measure last month. Spain has recently joined other European nations like France, Denmark, and Austria in planning such bans, highlighting a growing international trend.
More than 60 Members of Parliament, alongside some bereaved parents, have urged the Prime Minister to adopt a comparable ban in the United Kingdom. They argue that such a move is essential to protect children from online harms and ensure their wellbeing.
Consultation and Legal Measures
The government will initiate a three-month consultation in March to gather input from parents and children on online safety measures. This process will inform the development of new social media protections aimed at safeguarding young users.
In addition, Keir Starmer has outlined plans to close legal loopholes that currently expose children to harmful interactions with AI chatbots. The upcoming Children's and Wellbeing Bill will grant new legal powers to enable swift action once the consultation concludes.
Potential Restrictions and Concerns
Proposed measures may include preventing children from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions and implementing controls to curb doom scrolling. However, some bereaved families and experts have raised warnings about potential unintended consequences.
Critics argue that a ban could drive children towards other unregulated online spaces, such as chatrooms or gaming platforms, potentially increasing risks rather than mitigating them. This highlights the complexity of balancing safety with the realities of digital access.
Government Commitment to Leadership
Keir Starmer has pledged that under his leadership, Britain will take a proactive stance on online safety, stating that no platform should receive a free pass. He emphasized the challenges parents face in navigating the social media landscape, noting his personal experience as a father of two teenagers.
"Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up," Starmer said. "With my government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety."
The debate over a social media ban for under-16s continues to unfold at Westminster, with the consultation set to play a crucial role in shaping future policy. The government aims to strike a balance between protecting children and avoiding negative repercussions from overly restrictive measures.
