Government Faces Backlash Over Watered-Down Bill to Curb Children's Social Media Use

MPs criticize diluted legislation that delays action on raising social media age limits and addressing screen-time harms.

Labour MP Josh MacAlister's proposed bill initially aimed to ban smartphones in schools and raise the digital age of consent for social media to 16.
The revised bill now only mandates a review of screen-time harms by chief medical officers within a year, deferring decisions on age restrictions.
Critics, including former Conservative education secretaries, have called the changes a missed opportunity and accused the government of yielding to big tech interests.
Polling indicates 62% of young people aged 16-24 believe social media does more harm than good, with many supporting stricter regulations.
The government has emphasized completing the implementation of the 2023 Online Safety Act before considering further legislative measures.