The Government has announced that it is launching a consultation exploring whether to ban social media for under-16s.
The move follows pressure from over 60 MP’s who yesterday sent a letter to the Prime Minister backing a ban
The review will look at raising the digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews to avoid excessive use, and restricting potentially addictive design features such as ‘streaks’ and ‘infinite scrolling’.
The consultation will seek views from parents, young people and civil society – with the first events in a nationwide tour to be held in the days ahead. The government will respond to the consultation in the summer.
Critics say a ban on social media for under 16’s won’t work and may have dangerous unexpected consequences forcing children to hide their online activity further or pushing them to unregulated platforms
