Plans were unveiled on Monday to implement a social media ban for children, impose restrictions on addictive apps, and enhance monitoring of phone usage in schools. Keir Starmer is intensifying efforts to address an online crisis affecting young people in the UK, following calls for a social media ban for individuals under 16, which gained traction after a similar move in Australia.
Over 60 MPs and bereaved parents have urged Starmer to enforce a ban, while some families and experts have cautioned about potential unintended consequences. A comprehensive consultation has been initiated by the government to gather feedback on potential solutions, including a ban on social media for children below a certain age, implementing phone curfews, and regulating addictive design elements such as ‘streaks’ and ‘infinite scrolling’.
The consultation will also explore raising the digital age of consent beyond the current 13 years, considering guidelines for screen time for parents of children aged five to 16, and simplifying parental controls on apps. In addition, stricter Ofsted inspections on mobile phone use in schools have been introduced immediately to ensure students do not access their devices during various school periods.
This initiative supplements the Online Safety Act, which mandates tech companies to address harmful content, toxic algorithms, and enforce stringent age verification measures. Notably, popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok already require users to be at least 13 years old to create accounts.
A group of bereaved parents, including Esther Ghey, who lost her daughter Brianna Ghey, have urged the government to enforce a social media ban for children under 16. Ghey highlighted the detrimental impact of social media addiction on her daughter’s mental health, emphasizing the need for stronger protection measures for children online.
While some advocate for a social media ban, others like Ian Russell, who lost his daughter to suicide after exposure to harmful online content, warn that a ban could push vulnerable children into unregulated spaces online. Early data from Australia suggests that some teens seeking mental health support have cited the social media ban as a concern.
Starmer, at a press briefing, refrained from fully endorsing a ban but emphasized exploring various options to safeguard children online. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of children’s lives and ensuring a safe digital environment for all.