British Parliament discusses imposing restrictions on smartphone and social media use for children

By: Vlad Cherevko | 23.10.2024, 01:28

The UK Parliament is discussing the introduction of new restrictions on the use of smartphones by children. The bill envisages a ban on the use of phones in schools and raising the age from which children can consent to the use of their data by social networks to 16 years old.

Here's What We Know

Calls for a smartphone ban are growing nationally due to concerns that the devices are having a negative impact on children's mental health and their ability to concentrate. The organisation Childhood Without Smartphones is urging parents not to buy their children smartphones until they are 13. It is known that Florida, USA, has already passed a law banning children under 14 from having social media accounts. Australia is also considering similar restrictions.

However, experts warn that bans on smartphones and social networks will not solve all problems. They believe more pressure needs to be put on the companies that own social media to create safer digital environments for children. The bill would also ban the use of phones in schools at a legislative level.

Source: Wired