The UK is considering banning social media for under-16s as Minister orders new research
The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has commissioned new research into the impact of social media and smartphone use on children, which suggests the UK may follow Australia’s lead in considering banning social media for under-16s.
Australia is moving forward with plans to ban access to social media for all under-16s, without parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced earlier this month: “Social media is harming our children and I’m calling time on it.”
Kyle said he was “looking very closely” at the Australian proposal and remained “open-minded” about implementing a similar measure in the UK. A 2019 Chief Medical Officer review found insufficient evidence to draw strong conclusions about the links between social media, smartphones, and children’s mental health.
Believing that technology companies have research to share on this issue, Kyle’s department is launching a six-month study, which is part of a multi-year project, “to help guide future government actions.”
Calls for urgent action have increased among campaigners and parents, particularly following the publication of Anxious Generation by American psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book points to an increase in children’s anxiety and depression with smartphone use, although some academics have challenged its conclusions.
Additionally, the Safe Calls Bill, proposed by Labor MP Josh MacAlister, includes a mechanism to block social media for under-16s and is expected to be debated in March. Kyle is also calling on Ofcom to report on its progress on the Internet Safety Act. The regulator is finalizing new rules, which will take effect in the spring, that will force technology companies to protect children online and remove illegal content.
However, civil society organizations argue that Ofcom is not tough enough on technology companies. They argue that the current rules, in some cases, may require fewer steps from companies than they are currently taking.
Kyle issued a “statement of key priorities” to Ofcom, stressing that the regulator must ensure safety is built into platforms from the outset, stay agile, tackle emerging risks such as artificial intelligence, and promote a resilient environment.
Ian Russell, chairman of trustees at the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement, saying it “defines a much-needed course correction” and “sets an important signal for Ofcom to be bold about.”
An Ofcom spokesman replied: “We welcome the draft statement of key priorities, which, once finalised, will help shape this important work.”
