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.