Future Retirement Success
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Future Retirement Success

Business

UK considers social media ban for under-16s as Minister orders new research

by November 20, 2024
November 20, 2024
UK considers social media ban for under-16s as Minister orders new research

The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has commissioned new research into the impact of social media and smartphone use on children, signalling that the UK may follow Australia’s lead in considering a social media ban for under-16s.

Australia is pressing ahead with plans to prohibit social media access for all individuals under 16, regardless of parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared earlier this month: “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it.”

Kyle stated he is “looking very closely” at Australia’s proposal and remains “open-minded” about implementing a similar measure in the UK. A 2019 review by the Chief Medical Officer found insufficient evidence to draw strong conclusions about the links between social media, smartphones, and children’s mental health.

Believing that technology companies possess unshared research on the issue, Kyle’s department is initiating a six-month study, alongside a multiyear project, to “help direct future government action.”

The call for swifter action has intensified among campaigners and parents, especially following the publication of The Anxious Generation by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book attributes the rise in childhood anxiety and depression to smartphone usage, though some academics have challenged its conclusions.

Additionally, the Safer Phones Bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, includes a mechanism to ban social media for under-16s and is set for debate in March. Kyle is also urging Ofcom to report on its progress with the Online Safety Act. The regulator is finalising new laws, coming into force in the spring, which will compel tech companies to protect children online and remove illegal content.

However, civil society groups argue that Ofcom is not being stringent enough on tech companies. They contend that the current rules might, in some cases, require less action from companies than they currently undertake.

Kyle has issued a “statement of strategic priorities” for Ofcom, emphasising that the regulator should ensure safety is integrated into platforms from the outset, remain agile, address emerging harms such as generative artificial intelligence, and foster an environment resilient to disinformation.

Ian Russell, chair of trustees at the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement, stating it “outlines a much-needed course correction” and “lays down an important marker for Ofcom to be bolder.”

An Ofcom spokesperson responded: “We welcome the draft statement of strategic priorities, which, once finalised, will help shape this important work.”

Read more:
UK considers social media ban for under-16s as Minister orders new research

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
House Ethics Committee plans to discuss probe into Gaetz after resignation from Congress
next post
Jaguar retires iconic ‘growler’ logo in electric rebrand to attract new generation

You may also like

Tata Steel Workers to Vote on Strikes Amidst...

February 19, 2024

US braces for supply chain disruption following Baltimore...

March 28, 2024

Six ways to make your workplace more fun...

June 3, 2024

Labour set to renationalise most rail services within...

April 25, 2024

Multi-tasking and burnt-out, but working Brits are sleeping...

April 4, 2023

Labour boosts clean energy funding with record £1.5bn...

July 31, 2024

Lord Frost urges UK to ‘fully and enthusiastically...

February 14, 2023

Charlie Mullins to answer Farage’s call: Pimlico Plumbers...

January 14, 2025

Tax revenues rise £24bn, offering government optimism amid...

November 21, 2024

UK mortgage approvals drop to six-month low in...

September 29, 2023

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free

    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Trump ally stands firm against ‘big, beautiful bill’ despite pressure: ‘It’ll completely backfire’

      June 8, 2025
    • Rubio condemns assassination attempt on Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe

      June 8, 2025
    • Obama WH physician says Biden doc should have performed cognitive test

      June 8, 2025
    • Trump warns of ‘serious consequences’ if Elon Musk funds Democrats

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk jokes about reconsidering stance on Big Beautiful Bill after Schiff’s praise

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk deletes explosive posts about Trump and Epstein files

      June 7, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,152)
    • Investing (2,019)
    • Politics (15,571)
    • Stocks (3,136)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: futureretirementsuccess.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 futureretirementsuccess.com | All Rights Reserved