The UK government has announced a major consultation on potentially banning children under the age of 16 from social media platforms, marking a significant shift in its approach to online safety. This move comes alongside the publication of strengthened guidance aimed at creating "phone-free environments" in schools across England.
Government Shifts Stance Under Pressure
Ministers are launching the consultation after facing considerable pressure from dozens of backbench MPs, campaigners, and bereaved parents. The government had initially opposed a blanket ban for under-16s but softened its position in recent days. The consultation will now explore bringing in a policy similar to one implemented in Australia.
The scope of the consultation is broad. It will assess ways to improve the accuracy of age assurance technology used to enforce minimum age limits for certain online content. It will also examine whether the current digital age of consent is set too low and investigate the removal or limitation of design features that drive addictive behaviours. These features include social media "streaks" and the ability to scroll through content infinitely.
The announcement follows a direct appeal from Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, and other bereaved parents. They wrote to the prime minister and party leaders urging support for a parliamentary amendment that would force social media platforms to use "highly-effective age assurance measures" to block under-16s.
Immediate Action on Mobile Phones in Schools
Alongside the longer-term social media consultation, the government is taking more immediate action regarding mobile phones in schools. The Department for Education is publishing strengthened guidance for schools in England, making it unequivocally clear that schools should be "phone-free environments." However, the government has stopped short of legislating for a total ban.
To enforce this, Ofsted will now scrutinise individual schools' mobile phone policies and their implementation during inspections. Support will also be offered to schools struggling to implement bans through the government's Attendance and Behaviour Hubs.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated firmly: "We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools, but now we're going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts."
This new guidance will come into effect from the start of the summer term after Easter. Data reveals that while 99.9% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools already have mobile phone policies, 58% of secondary pupils report phones being used without permission in some lessons, rising to 65% for those aged 14-16.
Political Pressure and the Path Ahead
The government's consultation is seen by some as an attempt to head off a potential rebellion. A key vote is scheduled in the House of Lords on a Conservative amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Tabled by former schools minister Lord Nash, the amendment would mandate the strict age assurance measures.
Lord Nash criticised the consultation, saying it "offers nothing" for the many groups calling for action and that "the longer we delay, the more children we fail." One Labour MP suggested there was "no way" the government could whip its MPs to vote against such an amendment if it passed the Lords, risking a significant rebellion.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall defended the government's approach, stating that the existing Online Safety Act was "never meant to be the end point." She affirmed the government's intention to go further, saying, "We are determined to ensure technology enriches children's lives, not harms them."
The consultation represents a pivotal moment in the UK's approach to regulating the digital world for young people, balancing safety concerns with the realities of modern technology and its role in children's lives.
