UK MPs to Debate Safer Phones Bill Targeting Child Smartphone Use
Legislation aims to address digital safety and consent age, as concerns mount over children's exposure to social media.
UK Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to debate the Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill, commonly referred to as the Safer Phones Bill, in the House of Commons.
The bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, is designed to mitigate the risks associated with excessive smartphone and social media use among children.
The second reading will take place on Friday.
The Safer Phones Bill mandates that the UK chief medical officers publish guidance for parents regarding children's smartphone use.
Additionally, it compels the Government to evaluate the possibility of raising 'the digital age of consent' from 13 to 16 within one year of the bill's passage.
This adjustment would affect the conditions under which children's data can be shared without parental approval.
Former educator MacAlister emphasized that increasing the age of consent for data sharing could potentially reduce the addictive nature of social media platforms for younger users.
Reports indicate a growing concern among young people, with a majority supporting stricter regulations on social media.
MacAlister previously included measures in the bill to enforce mobile-free zones in schools and to enhance the powers of the regulatory body Ofcom in relation to addictive applications.
However, these measures were removed after indications from the Government suggested resistance to such initiatives.
In the lead-up to the debate, MacAlister expressed optimism that the Government would endorse the bill's provisions, following his collaborative efforts with Government officials to reach a more acceptable legislative framework.
He noted the bill’s evolution from its initial proposals to ensure it is more likely to gain government support.
Critics, including the leader of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, have voiced concerns that the final measures present in the bill are insufficient.
They argue that the UK is lagging behind other nations that are implementing more comprehensive protections for children against addictive technology.
Liberal Democrat representatives have criticized the pace of the Government's response to children's online safety, labeling the changes as overly conservative compared to initial expectations of the bill.
Victoria Collins, the Lib Dem’s spokesperson for Science, Innovation & Technology, expressed disappointment regarding the perceived dilution of the bill’s original intent.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) stated its commitment to ensuring young people's safety online while allowing them access to technology.
The response to the Safer Phones Bill is anticipated to be provided during the parliamentary discussion, aligning with standard legislative procedure.
The bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, is designed to mitigate the risks associated with excessive smartphone and social media use among children.
The second reading will take place on Friday.
The Safer Phones Bill mandates that the UK chief medical officers publish guidance for parents regarding children's smartphone use.
Additionally, it compels the Government to evaluate the possibility of raising 'the digital age of consent' from 13 to 16 within one year of the bill's passage.
This adjustment would affect the conditions under which children's data can be shared without parental approval.
Former educator MacAlister emphasized that increasing the age of consent for data sharing could potentially reduce the addictive nature of social media platforms for younger users.
Reports indicate a growing concern among young people, with a majority supporting stricter regulations on social media.
MacAlister previously included measures in the bill to enforce mobile-free zones in schools and to enhance the powers of the regulatory body Ofcom in relation to addictive applications.
However, these measures were removed after indications from the Government suggested resistance to such initiatives.
In the lead-up to the debate, MacAlister expressed optimism that the Government would endorse the bill's provisions, following his collaborative efforts with Government officials to reach a more acceptable legislative framework.
He noted the bill’s evolution from its initial proposals to ensure it is more likely to gain government support.
Critics, including the leader of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, have voiced concerns that the final measures present in the bill are insufficient.
They argue that the UK is lagging behind other nations that are implementing more comprehensive protections for children against addictive technology.
Liberal Democrat representatives have criticized the pace of the Government's response to children's online safety, labeling the changes as overly conservative compared to initial expectations of the bill.
Victoria Collins, the Lib Dem’s spokesperson for Science, Innovation & Technology, expressed disappointment regarding the perceived dilution of the bill’s original intent.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) stated its commitment to ensuring young people's safety online while allowing them access to technology.
The response to the Safer Phones Bill is anticipated to be provided during the parliamentary discussion, aligning with standard legislative procedure.
