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UK Government Backs Watered-Down Bill on Children's Smartphone and Social Media Use

Proposals to ban smartphones in schools and raise the digital age of consent were removed to secure government support.

  • Labour MP Josh MacAlister's Private Members' Bill originally proposed banning smartphones in schools and raising the digital age of consent to 16.
  • The revised bill now only requires a review of screen-based harms by chief medical officers within a year, with no immediate legislative action.
  • Critics, including former Conservative education secretaries, called the changes a missed opportunity and accused the government of yielding to tech industry pressure.
  • Polling shows 62% of young people aged 16-24 believe social media does more harm than good, with many supporting stricter regulations on smartphone and app use.
  • The government emphasized its commitment to online safety through the Online Safety Act, which includes protections against harmful content and age-appropriate experiences.
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