Plans unveiled on Monday propose imposing a social media prohibition on children, limitations on addictive applications, and stricter monitoring of phone usage in schools. Keir Starmer is intensifying efforts to combat an online crisis affecting the youth in the UK. Pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister to implement a social media ban for individuals under 16, following Australia’s recent move and the Conservatives’ commitment to do the same.
Over 60 Members of Parliament and bereaved parents are urging Starmer to enforce a ban, while some experts and bereaved families caution that unintended consequences could arise. A comprehensive consultation has been initiated by the government to collect evidence on potential solutions, including a social media ban for minors, setting curfews on phone usage, and restricting features that could foster addiction, such as ‘streaks’ and ‘infinite scrolling’.
Streaks involve consecutive interactions on a platform, while infinite scrolling is a design that autoloads content as users scroll down. The consultation will also explore raising the digital age of consent from 13 years old. Additionally, guidelines on screen time for parents of children aged five to 16 will be developed, building on the recent update of guidance for children under five.
Moreover, stricter inspections on mobile phone usage in schools are being introduced immediately to ensure students do not access their devices during various school activities. These efforts complement the Online Safety Act, which mandates tech companies to regulate algorithms, promptly remove harmful content, and implement robust age verification measures. Notably, popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok currently require users to be at least 13 years old to create accounts.
A group of bereaved parents, including Esther Ghey, have urged the government to enforce a social media ban to protect young individuals from harm. Ghey highlighted the detrimental effects of social media addiction on her daughter, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to safeguard children online. Meanwhile, some Labour MPs advocate for following Australia’s lead in imposing a social media ban and shifting responsibility to technology platforms rather than parents for enforcing age restrictions.
However, concerns exist about the potential consequences of a ban. Ian Russell, whose daughter tragically took her own life due to online content, fears that vulnerable youths may turn to unregulated internet spaces if faced with a ban. Early findings from Australia indicate that some teens seeking mental health support have highlighted the ban as a concern. Russell, along with numerous charities and experts, opposes a blanket ban on social media, citing its limitations in addressing online safety effectively.
While Starmer refrains from committing to a ban, he assures that various options are under consideration. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasizes the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance children’s lives and ensure a safe online environment. The government aims to provide children with a positive digital experience while addressing the challenges posed by harmful online content.