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The UK government is considering a possible ban on social media for children under the age of 16, according to the Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. In an interview with the BBC, he stated that his priority is to ensure that people, particularly children, are safe online. He also announced plans for further research on the impact that smartphones and social media are having on young people.
Kyle outlined his priorities in a “letter of strategic intent” to the regulator Ofcom, which is gaining additional powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). The act, which takes effect next year, demands that technology companies take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms in order to protect children from legal but hazardous material. Previously, the Australian government announced its intention to introduce legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media.
Whilst Kyle has not ruled out implementing a similar ban, he emphasises the need for more evidence before a decision is made. Kyle’s attention is instead focused on ensuring that the powers contained in the OSA are used effectively by the regulator, suggesting that companies could face significant fines if they fail to comply with the legislation.
Despite companies such as Instagram and Roblox unveiling changes to their systems in response to the OSA, which has already had an impact on the industry, some campaigners and critics still believe that the government needs to do more. Meanwhile, a parliamentary bill has been proposed that examines methods for making children’s digital lives safer. Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens, an organisation that calls for tighter regulation, will provide evidence to the bill’s hearings.
Although the government has shirked a complete ban on smartphones in schools, it has provided guidance to ensure the effective implementation of smartphone-free restrictions in all institutions. The debate over phone use in educational environments has been won, according to Kyle
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