Plans are underway to introduce restrictions on children’s smartphone usage, including a potential ban on social media for those under 16 and curfews on app usage at night. The Tech Secretary, Liz Kendall, expressed a sense of urgency in reclaiming children’s childhood and preparing them for the future. The government is gearing up to initiate a consultation on online child safety measures, with expectations of wrapping it up within four months.
In an interview with The Sunday Mirror, Kendall revealed upcoming legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to enable the implementation of consultation outcomes promptly. The proposed measures could encompass a social media ban for under 16s, overnight curfews, and interventions like blocking doom scrolling and restricting VPN use.
Australia set a precedent last year by enacting a law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, becoming the first country to do so globally. Kendall also highlighted concerns about children interacting with strangers in online gaming, hinting at potential actions to prevent such encounters.
She emphasized the need to address alarming issues like live streaming and stranger pairing in games through consultations and potential age restrictions. These initiatives stem from feedback received from parents and advocacy groups, with a strong emphasis on swift action demanded by concerned parents.
Kendall assured that Members of Parliament would have a say in the decision-making process, with the government aiming to present a proposal before summer and expedite legislative procedures thereafter.
