 "UK unlikely to ban social media for under 16-YOs anytime soon, says IT minister")
The UK government is not currently planning to implement a social media ban for under-16s, according to Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science and Technology.
Despite earlier discussions and concerns raised by some parents, Kyle has stated that banning platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for younger users is “not on the cards at the moment.” His comments come amid efforts to encourage social media companies to take stronger steps to protect users from online harms.
New legislation aimed at improving online safety is set to come into effect next year. These laws will allow regulators to impose heavy fines or even prison sentences for breaches, pushing platforms to prioritise user safety. While the idea of restricting access for teenagers has been floated, Kyle made it clear that banning smartphones or social media for children is not his preferred solution.
Teenagers push back against potential restrictions
Kyle’s comments followed a meeting with teenagers at the NSPCC headquarters in London. During the discussion, young people shared their concerns about social media platforms, highlighting issues such as addictiveness, hacked accounts, and the challenges of reporting harmful content. However, the group opposed a ban, arguing it would negatively impact their social lives, access to support, and overall safety.
Many teens suggested that if a ban were introduced, they would likely find ways to bypass it, as seen with other restrictions like vaping. While Kyle acknowledged these concerns, he emphasised that the government remains open to examining the effectiveness of similar measures being proposed in Australia, where legislation to restrict social media for younger users is currently under discussion.
Safety concerns drive the debate
Kyle has expressed deep concerns about the risks posed by social media, particularly cases where online activity has been linked to the deaths of young people. He shared stories from parents who have called for stricter controls, urging the government to act decisively to prevent harm.
One area of progress he highlighted is the improvement in age verification technology. Kyle is optimistic about its potential to protect children, noting that even 70 per cent accuracy in such tools within a year would represent a significant step forward in safeguarding young users from harmful content.
Future considerations remain open
Although a ban is not currently planned, Kyle has not ruled out the possibility in the future. The government is closely monitoring developments in other countries and assessing the impact of proposed measures. For now, the focus remains on holding social media platforms accountable and ensuring they take greater responsibility for creating a safer online environment for all users, particularly vulnerable young people.
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