Children are set to encounter restrictions on social media usage and addictive apps as part of efforts to enhance online safety for kids. The Government plans to initiate a consultation on children’s digital wellbeing next month to address the ongoing online harms crisis.
Although the Online Safety Act has imposed limitations to prevent children from accessing illegal and harmful online content, concerns persist about the effectiveness of the law and the lack of accountability from tech companies.
The upcoming three-month consultation will prioritize the immediate needs of parents and children, with a focus on swift action following the consultation process. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has committed to prompt actions, while Keir Starmer has emphasized the urgency of safeguarding young people from the negative impacts of addictive social media platforms.
The proposal to implement a social media ban for under 16s, inspired by actions taken by countries like Australia and Spain, has gained traction, with support from MPs and some parents. However, opposing views highlight concerns about potential unintended consequences such as driving children towards unregulated online spaces.
The consultation is expected to explore various measures, including phone curfews, app usage limits, and restrictions on potentially addictive design features like streaks and infinite scrolling. Additionally, considerations will be made to address issues related to online gaming and age restrictions on certain online activities to ensure children’s safety.
Efforts to enhance online safety will also involve examining the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by children to circumvent safety measures and age restrictions. Furthermore, the Government aims to address concerns regarding children’s interactions with AI chatbots and plans to introduce measures to protect children from harmful online content.
The consultation process will play a crucial role in shaping future regulations to safeguard children’s online experiences and promote digital wellbeing.
