Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on UK teenagers
#social media #digital curfews #teenagers #UK #screen time #mental health #online safety
📌 Key Takeaways
- UK to trial social media bans and digital curfews for teenagers
- Measures aim to limit screen time and online access for young users
- Trials will assess impact on mental health and digital habits
- Government and tech platforms may collaborate on enforcement
📖 Full Retelling
The government will interview the young people and their parents before and after they try the limits to assess their impact.
🏷️ Themes
Digital Regulation, Youth Safety
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Original Source
Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on UK teenagers 2 hours ago Share Save Shiona McCallum Technology reporter Share Save Social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps are to be trialled in the homes of hundreds of UK teenagers. The test, led by the UK government, will see 300 teens involved have their social apps disabled entirely, blocked overnight or capped to one hour's use - with some also seeing no such changes at all - in order to compare their experiences. It will run alongside the government's consultation asking whether the UK should follow in Australia's footsteps by making it illegal for under-16s to have access to many social media sites. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said it was about "testing different options in the real world." "These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves," she added. Children and parents involved in the government-led trial will also be interviewed before and after the pilot scheme to assess its impact. Meanwhile, the government's consultation about banning social media for children will continue to run until 26 May. Such a move has widespread political support - with countries including France, Spain and Indonesia also considering emulating Australia's ban - and the backing of some campaigners and children's charities. Other experts are more sceptical, warning such restrictions could be easily circumvented or could push children to darker corners of the internet. But some believe tech companies should make their platforms safer, not just be banned for children. Rani Govender, associate head of child safety online policy at the NSPCC, said that while the charity welcomed the government's efforts to find the best way to keep young people safe online, it must also be ready to take "decisive action" when its pilot and consultation end. "This must include ensuring tech companies build safety into every device, platform and AI ...
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