The UK government is evaluating the use of social media by children under-16s, with a full ban being one of the options being considered. This effort is part of an ongoing drive to protect children online which also includes a reduction on mobile phone use in schools.
In a joint statement, government departments covering science, technology and education explained the opinions of parents, children and general society would be sought.
Ministers plan to visit Australia where under-16s are banned from major social media sites, to assess its approach.
“Evidence from around the world will be examined on a wide range of suggested proposals, including looking at whether a social media ban for children would be effective and if one was introduced how best to make it work,” the government stated.
Other options include raising the digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews and restricting what are deemed “addictive design features” including the ability to constantly scroll.
Phone restrictions
The government also unveiled tougher guidance on use of mobile phones in schools. It noted it is increasingly clear schools need to be “phone-free environments” with no access to devices in lessons, breaks or between lessons.
Updated guidance will be implemented using “behaviour management in schools, and by setting out clear expectations for teachers and school staff”. This includes staff not accessing their own mobile phones for personal use in front of children.
The government noted immediate action in this area would include education standards body Ofsted checking school policies on phone use during routine inspections. It added schools are “expected to be phone-free by default thanks to today’s announcement”.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image
