UK Considers Ban on Social Media for Under-16s to Improve Online Safety
The UK government is considering a potential ban on social media for under-16s, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kyle confirmed that the measure was “on the table” as part of efforts to protect children from online harm. He emphasized that he would “do what it takes” to ensure the safety of young people in the digital space.
Kyle also revealed that further research would be conducted to explore the impact of social media and smartphones on young people’s well-being, noting the lack of firm, peer-reviewed evidence on the issue at present.
The proposal comes as Kyle outlines his priorities in a “letter of strategic intent” to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which will be granted additional powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). This Act, set to come into effect next year, mandates that tech companies take stronger measures to protect children from harmful content online.
Mixed Reactions to the Proposal
While some welcomed the idea, campaigners like the Molly Rose Foundation called it an important step but urged for stronger legislative measures. The group, which advocates for better protections for children, stated that an updated version of the OSA, with a clearer duty of care on tech firms, is necessary. The foundation stressed that the Prime Minister must act swiftly to address the unfinished work of the Act.
Legal experts, however, offered a more cautious perspective. Iona Silverman, a representative from law firm Freeths, suggested that a social media ban would only address part of a larger issue. According to Silverman, young people would likely find alternative ways to access harmful content online, highlighting the need for a broader cultural shift and proactive legislation that stays ahead of emerging technologies.
Global Trends: Australia’s Example
The debate around social media restrictions for young people has been sparked by similar proposals in other countries. Australia’s government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms. In response, Peter Kyle acknowledged the idea, stating that “everything is on the table” but emphasized the need for more evidence before taking action in the UK.
Kyle also expressed his commitment to ensuring that Ofcom uses the new powers granted by the OSA “assertively,” aiming to hold tech firms accountable for their role in online safety. This includes verifying users’ ages more effectively and integrating safety measures from the outset of platform design.
Tech Firms Under Scrutiny
The OSA, which holds tech companies accountable for the content they host, could impose significant fines on social media platforms that fail to meet safety standards. In response to the growing pressure, companies like Instagram and Roblox have already made changes to improve safety for young users. Instagram, for instance, introduced new settings for teen accounts in September, while Roblox implemented a ban on young children messaging others in November.
However, critics continue to argue that the government’s efforts do not go far enough. The mother of Brianna Ghey, a teenager whose tragic death drew attention to the issue, told the BBC earlier this year that current measures still fall short of adequately protecting children.
Expanding Efforts to Safeguard Children’s Digital Lives
In addition to social media restrictions, there are calls for stricter controls on smartphone use among children. Parliament is currently considering a private members’ bill that examines how to make children’s digital lives safer, with evidence being gathered from groups like Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens. The group, led by GP Rebecca Foljambe, has advocated for stronger limitations on smartphone use due to growing concerns over children’s mental and physical health.
While the government has stopped short of banning smartphones in schools, it has issued guidance encouraging schools to implement effective smartphone-free policies.
As the conversation around online safety continues, Peter Kyle believes the battle over smartphone use in schools has already been won, though the broader issue of children’s digital well-being remains a significant challenge.The UK government is considering a potential ban on social media for under-16s, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kyle confirmed that the measure was “on the table” as part of efforts to protect children from online harm. He emphasized that he would “do what it takes” to ensure the safety of young people in the digital space.
Kyle also revealed that further research would be conducted to explore the impact of social media and smartphones on young people’s well-being, noting the lack of firm, peer-reviewed evidence on the issue at present.
The proposal comes as Kyle outlines his priorities in a “letter of strategic intent” to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which will be granted additional powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). This Act, set to come into effect next year, mandates that tech companies take stronger measures to protect children from harmful content online.
Mixed Reactions to the Proposal
While some welcomed the idea, campaigners like the Molly Rose Foundation called it an important step but urged for stronger legislative measures. The group, which advocates for better protections for children, stated that an updated version of the OSA, with a clearer duty of care on tech firms, is necessary. The foundation stressed that the Prime Minister must act swiftly to address the unfinished work of the Act.
Legal experts, however, offered a more cautious perspective. Iona Silverman, a representative from law firm Freeths, suggested that a social media ban would only address part of a larger issue. According to Silverman, young people would likely find alternative ways to access harmful content online, highlighting the need for a broader cultural shift and proactive legislation that stays ahead of emerging technologies.
Global Trends: Australia’s Example
The debate around social media restrictions for young people has been sparked by similar proposals in other countries. Australia’s government has announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms. In response, Peter Kyle acknowledged the idea, stating that “everything is on the table” but emphasized the need for more evidence before taking action in the UK.
Kyle also expressed his commitment to ensuring that Ofcom uses the new powers granted by the OSA “assertively,” aiming to hold tech firms accountable for their role in online safety. This includes verifying users’ ages more effectively and integrating safety measures from the outset of platform design.
Tech Firms Under Scrutiny
The OSA, which holds tech companies accountable for the content they host, could impose significant fines on social media platforms that fail to meet safety standards. In response to the growing pressure, companies like Instagram and Roblox have already made changes to improve safety for young users. Instagram, for instance, introduced new settings for teen accounts in September, while Roblox implemented a ban on young children messaging others in November.
However, critics continue to argue that the government’s efforts do not go far enough. The mother of Brianna Ghey, a teenager whose tragic death drew attention to the issue, told the BBC earlier this year that current measures still fall short of adequately protecting children.
Expanding Efforts to Safeguard Children’s Digital Lives
In addition to social media restrictions, there are calls for stricter controls on smartphone use among children. Parliament is currently considering a private members’ bill that examines how to make children’s digital lives safer, with evidence being gathered from groups like Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens. The group, led by GP Rebecca Foljambe, has advocated for stronger limitations on smartphone use due to growing concerns over children’s mental and physical health.
While the government has stopped short of banning smartphones in schools, it has issued guidance encouraging schools to implement effective smartphone-free policies.
As the conversation around online safety continues, Peter Kyle believes the battle over smartphone use in schools has already been won, though the broader issue of children’s digital well-being remains a significant challenge.