Social media ban: UK contemplates ban on children's Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok use
Britain has launched a consultation on children’s social media use, including a possible ban for children and tougher guidance for schools on mobile phones.
Government ministers will visit Australia as part of its consultation, where a social media ban for under-16s came into force in December.
The consultation will look at options including raising the digital age of consent and restricting potentially addictive app design features such as “streaks” and “infinite scrolling”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.There have been growing calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to raise the minimum age for social media platforms, and No 10 has signalled it is open to the idea.
Later this week, the Lords will vote on an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which would require social media platforms to stop children under 16 from using their platforms within a year.
The government will also produce screen time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16. guidance for parents of under-fives will be published in April, it said.
Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch has already said the Conservative Party would introduce a ban for under-16s if it was in power.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said mobile phones had no place in schools.
“But now we’re going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts.”
with PA
