The technology secretary, Peter Kyle, has commissioned new research into the impact of social media and smartphone use on children, indicating Britain could follow Australia’s lead in considering a ban on social media for under-16s year.
Australia is pushing ahead with plans to ban access to social media for all people under the age of 16, regardless of parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated earlier this month: “Social media is harming our children and I am making time for it.”
Kyle said he is looking at Australia’s proposal “very carefully” and remains “open-minded” about implementing a similar measure in Britain. A 2019 study by the Chief Medical Officer found insufficient evidence to draw strong conclusions about the link between social media, smartphones and children’s mental health.
Believing that tech companies have unqualified research on this topic, Kyle’s department is initiating a six-month study, in addition to a multi-year project, to “help guide future government action.”
Calls for faster action have increased among campaigners and parents, especially following the publication of The Anxious Generation by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book attributes the rise in anxiety and depression in children to smartphone use, although some academics have questioned its conclusions.
In addition, the Safer Phones Bill, proposed by Labor MP Josh MacAlister, includes a mechanism to ban social media for under-16s. This law will be discussed in March. Kyle is also urging Ofcom to report on progress with the Online Safety Act. The regulator is finalizing new laws, due to come into effect in the spring, that will force tech companies to protect children online and remove illegal content.
However, civil society groups claim Ofcom is not being tough enough on tech companies. They argue that in some cases the current rules may require less action from companies than they are currently taking.
Kyle has issued a “statement of strategic priorities” for Ofcom, highlighting that the regulator must ensure security is built into platforms from the start, remain agile, tackle emerging harms such as generative artificial intelligence and foster an environment that is resilient to disinformation.
Ian Russell, chairman of trustees of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement, saying it “outlines a much-needed course correction” and “marks an important milestone for Ofcom to be braver.”
An Ofcom spokesperson responded: “We welcome the draft strategic priorities statement, which, once ready, will help shape this important work.”