Overview
- The consultation will consider an Australia‑style prohibition on under‑16s using major social platforms, raising the digital age of consent, and curbing features like infinite scrolling and streaks.
- Immediate steps include tougher guidance for phone‑free schools, Ofsted reviewing mobile phone policies during inspections, and new screen‑time advice for parents of 5‑ to 16‑year‑olds, with guidance for under‑fives due in April.
- A House of Lords amendment from Lord Nash set for debate this week would require “highly effective” age‑assurance measures to keep under‑16s off regulated user‑to‑user services.
- Political pressure has intensified, with 61 Labour MPs urging the prime minister to back an Australia‑style approach, as bereaved parents and charities remain divided over a blanket ban and its potential unintended effects.
- Ministers will visit Australia during the review, where a December law mandates platforms take reasonable steps to block under‑16s or face fines up to AU$49.5m, a regime that has already prompted industry pushback and legal challenges.