MPs are set to debate a new Bill aimed at tackling the growing concerns over children’s smartphone and social media use, which campaigners argue is contributing to issues such as addiction and mental health problems.
The Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill, commonly referred to as the Safer Phones Bill, is a private member’s bill introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister. The legislation seeks to strengthen protections for children online, including the possibility of raising the digital age of consent from 13 to 16.
The Bill will have its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, where MPs will discuss its provisions. A key aspect of the Bill is a requirement for the UK’s chief medical officers to issue formal guidance for parents on children’s use of smartphones and social media.
Additionally, the Government would be required to decide within 12 months whether to increase the age at which children can legally consent to their personal data being processed by tech companies.
Tackling addictive social media algorithms
Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr MacAlister said the Bill would mark the most serious engagement by the Government on the risks associated with children’s smartphone and social media use.
“If social media companies can’t use kids’ data without parental permission, then the algorithms that use the data to make content really addictive won’t work,” he told the PA news agency.
“This would mean social media platforms would need to offer different versions of their services for children—ones that are less addictive. Parents would also have greater control over their child’s smartphone use until the age of 16.”
A recent report from The New Britain Project and More in Common found that a majority of young people support stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect them from harmful content and excessive usage.
Government negotiations and watered-down proposals
Initially, Mr MacAlister had more ambitious plans for the Bill, including:
- Banning smartphones in schools by making all schools mobile-free zones
- Strengthening Ofcom’s powers to protect children from apps designed to be addictive
- Mandating a government review of the design, marketing, and use of mobile phones for under-16s
However, these provisions were removed from the final Bill after negotiations with the Government.
“I’ve worked with the Government to get to a point where the Bill is more likely to receive their support, and I’m optimistic that they will back the measures included,” Mr MacAlister said.
While some MPs and campaigners welcome the Bill, others argue that the changes do not go far enough.
Criticism from campaigners and opposition MPs
Joe Ryrie, co-founder of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, acknowledged Mr MacAlister’s efforts but said the Bill had been watered down significantly.
“While it’s good news that the Government is supporting some of these measures, let’s be honest: the final provisions are nowhere near enough,” he said.
“The UK is lagging behind other countries, many of which are already taking bold action to regulate smartphone and social media use among children. The public is demanding change, and sooner or later, politicians will have to catch up.”
Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins, the party’s Science, Innovation & Technology spokesperson, also criticised the Government’s approach.
More Read
“So far, the Government has made ponderous progress on children’s online safety,” she said.
“I’m disappointed that they’ve pushed for the Bill to be weakened—it had so much promise when it was first proposed.”
Government response and future steps
A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesperson defended the Government’s approach, stating that they remain committed to protecting children online.
“By the summer, robust new protections for children will be in force through the Online Safety Act, ensuring they are protected from harmful content and have an age-appropriate online experience,” the spokesperson said.
“The Government’s formal response to the Safer Phones Bill will be provided during its second reading in Parliament.”
Despite concerns that the Bill does not go far enough, MPs and campaigners alike hope that its passage will mark a meaningful step forward in addressing the dangers of excessive smartphone and social media use among children.
