UK MPs Consider Smartphone Ban for Under-16s Amid Rising Concerns Over Online Dangers

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A committee of MPs has suggested that the next government should consider banning smartphones for children under 16 within its first year in office. This recommendation comes in light of a report by the Education Select Committee, which highlights the significant dangers posed to children online. The committee's report underscores the growing concerns over children's screen time and its detrimental effects. Earlier this year, the UK government issued guidance to bar phone use in schools in England, sparking a broader debate about appropriate screen time for children. The NSPCC, a prominent children's charity, noted the absence of young people's voices in this discourse.

 

According to the committee, the negative impacts of increased screen time for children far outweigh the benefits. Committee chairman Robin Walker cited "shocking statistics" about the damage being inflicted on under-18s. The report indicates a substantial rise in screen time, with one in four children exhibiting signs of behavioral addiction related to phone use. It also revealed that nearly all children own a phone by age 12, and 79% had encountered violent pornography by the age of 18.

 

The Online Safety Act aims to hold social media companies accountable for protecting children from harmful content, but it will not be fully implemented until 2026. The committee warns that without immediate action, more children could be exposed to online harm. The report recommends that the next government, in collaboration with Ofcom, consider measures such as a total ban on smartphones for under-16s or default parental controls on devices. It also suggests encouraging mobile-phone companies to create child-specific phones that enable communication through calls, texts, and GPS location but restrict internet access.

 

Richard Collard, associate head of child safety online policy at the NSPCC, criticized the idea of a blanket ban on smartphones and social media for under-16s, calling it a "blunt instrument." He emphasized that while technology can enhance young people's lives, they are frustrated by having to protect themselves online. Teenagers themselves have mixed feelings about the proposal. Jasper, a 15-year-old from Salford, acknowledged both the positive and negative aspects of online life. He mentioned that social media can help connect with like-minded individuals but also facilitates drama and confrontation. Jasper expressed uncertainty about coping without a phone. Harry, 16, suggested a ban might be more appropriate for younger children but conceded that teenagers spend too much time on their phones.

 

Parents' opinions on the potential ban vary. Courtney Clarke, a mother of a 13-year-old daughter, expressed her dislike for smartphones but appreciated the ability to stay in touch with her child. She worried that removing her daughter's phone would strip away her social life, given the lack of alternative social venues like youth clubs. Conversely, Joanne Whaley regretted giving her 12-year-old son a smartphone, citing negative experiences and wishing she had opted for a basic phone instead.

 

Clare Fernyhough, a mother who co-founded Smartphone Free Childhood, a grassroots organization advocating for restricted smartphone use among children, supported the committee's recommendations. She criticized Silicon Valley companies for prioritizing profits over child safety and called for government action to protect children from online harm. In February, the UK government issued new guidelines for schools to limit phone use, aiming to change the social norm of keeping phones out of classrooms. The Labour Party expressed openness to banning social media for under-16s, following Keir Starmer's meeting with Esther Ghey, who campaigned for online safety after her daughter Brianna's death.

 

Lib Dem education spokesperson Munira Wilson urged the establishment of an independent children's online safety advocate to protect children's interests. She emphasized the need for both government and social-media companies to enhance online safety measures for children. The BBC sought comments from the Conservative and Labour parties on the committee's recommendations but had not received responses at the time of writing. The Green Party declined to comment.

 

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, acknowledged the committee's valid concerns about excessive screen time but warned that a statutory ban on phones in schools might not be practical. He noted that schools would face significant challenges in managing phone confiscation and return processes. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at the National Association of Head Teachers, argued that schools should develop their own mobile-phone policies, stressing the importance of children learning to build positive relationships with technology.

 

Credit: BBC 2024-05-27

 

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