EBN- The British government is moving towards issuing strict laws that include banning children from using social media networks, after children and teenagers’ use of these networks caused major social problems.
The British move comes days after a similar move in Australia that will prevent children from accessing these networks to protect them from their dangers.
A report published by the British newspaper The Times and reviewed by Al Arabiya Net, said that the UK government is considering imposing a ban on social media for children under the age of 16.
The newspaper reported that ministers are considering supporting a private bill introduced by Labor MP Josh McAllister, which is likely to raise the age at which internet companies can collect children’s data from 13 to 16.
An earlier version of McAllister’s bill proposed banning smartphones in schools, but the government ruled out supporting the measure as it is believed school principals currently have the power to make that decision themselves.
The newspaper says the updated plans, with a new focus on limiting access to social media by children under 16, have wider appeal across the House of Commons.
Australia takes similar move
According to the report, the move in this direction in London comes shortly after similar moves in Australia, which are part of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to reduce physical and mental health problems caused by children’s use of social media.
Government figures have cited the harmful impact some images can have on girls, as well as the impact of misogynistic content on young boys, as reasons for change.
The Australian prime minister has announced that there will be no exemptions to the laws, even if children have been given parental consent. However, the ban will not apply to young people who are already using social media and will not be implemented until 12 months after the legislation is passed.
“This is for mums and dads,” Albanese said. “They, like me, are deeply concerned about the safety of our children online. I want Australian families to know that the government has their back.”
The proposed ban in Australia and Britain has drawn strong backlash from the Digital Industry Group, a body representing sites including TikTok and X, which said the move could actually push children to explore darker parts of the internet.
“Keeping young people safe online is a top priority, but the proposed ban on teens accessing digital platforms is a 20th century response to 21st century challenges,” they added.
“Rather than blocking access through bans, we need to take a balanced approach to creating age-appropriate spaces, building digital literacy and protecting people from online harm,” they continued.
Spanish law to protect children from social media
Earlier this year, Spain also introduced legislation to protect children from the dangers of social media, with new laws ruling that minors under the age of 16 will not be allowed to access or register on social networks.
“We want to give families peace of mind when their children are in a digital environment, they can be sure that the Spanish government cares about them,” said Spain’s Justice Minister, Feliz Bolaños.
