In a move that could significantly alter the landscape of digital interaction for young individuals, the UK government is considering prohibiting social media access for those under 16 years of age. This consideration follows the steps of Australia, which is actively pursuing such restrictions. The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has initiated this discourse by commissioning new research to explore this potential change.
Kyle expressed his intention to closely observe Australia’s legislative proposal, maintaining an open-minded stance on adopting a similar ban in the UK. Despite the Chief Medical Officer’s 2019 review highlighting a lack of conclusive evidence linking social media use to mental health issues among children, Kyle’s department is embarking on a comprehensive study. This research, extending over six months in conjunction with a multi-year project, aims to guide future governmental policy decisions.
The conversation around the impact of social media on youth has been intensifying, particularly after the release of ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt, an American social psychologist. Haidt’s work suggests a correlation between the rise in anxiety and depression among children and smartphone usage, though this viewpoint has been met with scepticism by some within the academic community.
Adding to the complexity of this issue, Labour MP Josh MacAlister has introduced the Safer Phones Bill, which encompasses a provision to bar social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This proposed legislation is scheduled for parliamentary debate in March, further underscoring the urgency perceived by some lawmakers and campaigners regarding this matter.
Parallel to these legislative efforts, Kyle has called upon the regulatory body Ofcom to expedite its work under the Online Safety Act. As new regulations are solidified for implementation in the spring, these laws are expected to impose stricter requirements on technology companies to safeguard minors and eradicate unlawful content online.
There are concerns among civil society organisations that the regulations might not be stringent enough, with some believing that current frameworks require less compliance than what companies presently practice. To address these apprehensions, Kyle has released a strategic directive for Ofcom, urging the regulator to integrate safety by design into platforms, remain responsive to emerging threats like generative AI, and cultivate a digital environment resistant to misinformation.
Ian Russell, chair of the Molly Rose Foundation, has commended these initiatives, viewing the strategic priorities as a pivotal step towards correcting the current course and urging Ofcom to adopt a more assertive stance. An Ofcom representative has expressed appreciation for the proposed strategic priorities, recognising their role in shaping the regulatory landscape.
The prospect of a social media ban for under-16s in the UK represents a potential significant shift in policy, mirroring initiatives being pursued internationally. As the government commissions further research and debate over related legislation intensifies, the balance between safeguarding young users and preserving digital freedoms presents a complex challenge that requires careful consideration.
