Social media could be BANNED for under
A social media ban for under-16s is among a raft of proposals set to be unveiled by the Government within weeks, it has been reported.
Ministers will also consider banning children from buying smartphones, as part of a consultation on protecting the young online.
The tough stance is at odds with how many tech platforms operate – their minimum age limit is 13 largely across the board.
Last week, Meta faced widespread criticism after lowering the minimum age on WhatsApp from 16 to 13 in the UK.
The proposals are expected to be published before the end of the month, it was reported.
They are said to have been worked up by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan.
The proposals are expected to be published before the end of the month, it was reported (Stock Image)
They are said to have been worked up by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan (pictured)
READ MORE: Teenagers are now so hooked on social media they don't even SEARCH the internet for information - and will instead wait to see what algorithms on TikTok will serve-up for them to watch
AdvertisementRishi Sunak's deputy chief of staff, Will Tanner, is also said to be heavily involved, suggesting there is strong backing for them at the very top.
The consultation will seek parents' views on when children should be allowed to access social media, with an age range provided between 13 and 16.
It will also ask their views on whether extra safeguards, which would allow parents to monitor and control their access to platforms, should be installed, according to The Sunday Times.
The mother of Brianna Ghey, whose daughter was killed by two- by two 15-year-olds who watched violent content online, is campaigning for social media ban for under-16s.
Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, who is Meta's president of global affairs, will reportedly be briefed on the plans in the coming days.
A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology spokesman said that they 'do not comment on speculation', before adding: 'Our commitment to making the UK the safest place for children to be online is unwavering.'
Related articles
1 dead, 7 missing after 2 Japan MSDF helicopters crash near Izu Islands
One death has been confirmed after two patrol helicopters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (2024-04-30- (Xinhua) 14:24, September 21, 2023HANOI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- An evening for Chinese traditional art2024-04-30
Chinese firms can narrow AI gap with US within 1 or 2 years: founder of cybersecurity company
By Liu Caiyu, Chen Qingqing and Bai Yunyi (Global Times) 10:11, February 26, 2024Zhou Hongyi, founde2024-04-30Tiger Woods BOMBS his 100th round at Augusta National as golf legend scores 16
Tiger Woods found himself in the unusual position of finishing the Masters at the bottom of the lead2024-04-30Program to boost cultural exchanges between China and France
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties, a project aimed at fostering2024-04-30Confucius Institute in Nepal lauded during 1st inaugural anniversary
(Xinhua) 09:39, August 17, 2023The Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University celebrates its first2024-04-30
atest comment