Overview
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said no option is off the table, including raising the minimum age for access and curbing addictive features like infinite scroll and streaks.
- Ofsted will scrutinize how schools enforce mobile phone policies, and the government will issue evidence-based screen time guidance for ages five to 16.
- The consultation will consider raising the digital age of consent, overnight curfews and “doomscrolling” breaks, stronger age verification, and action on VPN circumvention.
- Peers will vote this week on a Lords amendment that would require platforms to block under-16s within a year, as 61 Labour MPs urge swift action.
- Charities and experts caution a blanket ban could be ineffective or counterproductive, while polling and petitions show significant public backing for stricter measures.