January 20, (THEWILL) — The UK government is set to launch a public consultation on stricter controls for children’s use of smartphones and social media, including the possibility of banning access for under-16s, as concerns grow over the impact of excessive screen time and addictive online features on young people.
According to the Financial Times, the consultation, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, will outline proposals such as raising the digital age of consent, introducing phone curfews, and limiting features like gaming “streaks,” autoplay videos, and endless scrolling that encourage prolonged online engagement.
The government is also examining whether certain apps and platform design elements deliberately promote dependency among children and teenagers, and whether tougher regulations are needed to curb such practices.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing internal pressure within the Labour Party to back firm legislative measures, including setting a minimum age for social media platforms such as TikTok, ahead of a House of Lords vote on Wednesday.
An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes banning social media use for children under 16, mirroring a similar policy introduced in Australia last month.
The move reflects a growing international effort to strengthen online protections for children and safeguard their mental health and wellbeing in the digital age.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
