The UK considers aligning with Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, as Technology Secretary Peter Kyle commissions new research.
- Australia plans to restrict social media access for those under 16, sparking interest from the UK government.
- The UK’s Technology Secretary explores the potential benefits of prohibiting social media for young people after reviewing existing studies.
- Pressure from campaigners and parents grows for swift action on social media’s impact on youth mental health.
- New legislative proposals and regulations are being considered to enhance online safety for children in the UK.
The UK government is evaluating the possibility of introducing a ban on social media for individuals under 16, emulating a similar legislative move in Australia. Australia’s initiative, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comes amidst concerns that social media might be harmful to children. Peter Kyle, the UK’s Technology Secretary, is currently reviewing these foreign measures with an open mind, signaling potential shifts in domestic policy.
In 2019, a review conducted by the Chief Medical Officer in the UK concluded that existing data was insufficient to establish a clear connection between social media, smartphone use, and the mental health of children. Despite these findings, there is a belief within Kyle’s department that unshared research by technology companies might hold the key to a clearer understanding of the impact of social media on youths. Consequently, the department has initiated a comprehensive six-month research study to inform future governmental actions.
There has been increasing pressure for urgent action, spurred on by campaigners and concerned parents. This follows insights drawn from ‘The Anxious Generation,’ a publication by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, which associates the increase in childhood anxiety and depression with smartphone usage. However, some within the academic community have contested the book’s conclusions.
In legislative developments, Labour MP Josh MacAlister has put forward the Safer Phones Bill, which aims to implement a social media ban for children under 16 years of age. The bill is slated for parliamentary debate in March. Additionally, Peter Kyle has prompted Ofcom, the communications regulator, to expedite its efforts under the Online Safety Act. This act, which is set for enactment in the spring, carries new mandates for technology companies to bolster child safety online and eliminate illegal content.
Despite the government’s initiatives, some civil society groups remain critical of Ofcom, arguing that the agency’s approach might not be rigorous enough in holding technology companies accountable. The concern is that the newly proposed regulations might demand less from companies than their current practices. The Technology Secretary has addressed these criticisms by issuing a ‘statement of strategic priorities’ for Ofcom to ensure platform safety, adaptability to emerging threats like generative AI, and resilience against disinformation.
Ian Russell, the chair of trustees at the Molly Rose Foundation, has expressed support for these announcements, describing them as necessary and indicating an important strategic direction for Ofcom. An Ofcom spokesperson expressed receptivity to the evolving guidelines, stating that they would shape ongoing and future regulatory efforts.
The UK’s contemplation of a social media ban for under-16s highlights a commitment to enhancing online safety for youths amid growing mental health concerns.
