Debate Heats Up Over Proposed Smartphone Ban for Under-16s Amid Rising Concerns About Online Safety

A group of lawmakers is recommending that a prohibition on smartphones for those under 16 be explored. However, advocate for internet safety, Ian Russell, argues that implementing such a ban, whether on the devices themselves or access to social media, would be detrimental and unfairly penalize young people instead of holding tech companies accountable for their lack of protective measures.

Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1

The forthcoming administration should contemplate prohibiting smartphone ownership for individuals under the age of 16, a group of Members of Parliament suggests in a new report.

The Education Committee of the House of Commons has additionally recommended a legal prohibition on the use of mobile phones in schools.

The article contended that excessive use of screens could negatively affect the mental and physical well-being of children, emphasizing the need for both educational institutions and parents to receive definitive advice from authorities on this matter.

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At the beginning of the year, the Department for Education released non-binding guidelines advising school principals on methods to prohibit mobile phone use during class time and during breaks, including lunch periods.

The committee has expressed that these measures are insufficient.

The study highlighted a significant rise in the amount of time children spend on screens, noting a 52% jump from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, it was reported that one in four children are exhibiting behaviors indicative of screen addiction.

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Members of the committee expressed that although the Online Safety Act is a step towards safeguarding children from online dangers, comprehensive security won’t be achieved until the Act is completely in effect by 2026.

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Learn more: Institutions prohibiting cell phones see improved GCSE results, according to research.

Committee chair Robin Walker stated, "Immediate measures are necessary, or more children will face danger. Whether it’s exposure to explicit content or criminal organizations utilizing digital platforms to enlist young individuals, the online environment presents significant risks."

Parents and educational institutions are grappling with significant challenges, and it is imperative that the government intensifies its support to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.

"This could necessitate drastic measures, possibly including prohibiting smartphones for those under 16."

Online safety advocate Ian Russell, who lost his 14-year-old daughter Molly to suicide after she was exposed to damaging content on social media, argues that prohibiting phones or social media access could be more detrimental than beneficial. He believes such measures would unfairly penalize children instead of holding technology companies accountable for their lack of protection.

"The most efficient and powerful strategy to safeguard the online safety and wellbeing of children is to enhance the Online Safety Act in the upcoming legislative session. We urge all political groups to pledge support for this action in their platforms."

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