Proposals to ban social media for children

A recent House of Commons Library briefing looks at the government’s latest proposals aimed at improving children’s experiences online and reducing the risks linked to social media. A public consultation is now underway, considering measures such as tougher age limits, stronger age-verification checks and even possible bans for younger users. These ideas build on the Online Safety Act 2023 and form part of wider efforts to make the internet a safer place for children.

Those in favour of stricter rules believe limiting access could shield children from harmful content, addictive platform features and online bullying. Others, however, are concerned that blanket restrictions might simply drive young people towards less regulated corners of the internet, or cut them off from the positive communities and support networks that can exist online.

The discussion reflects a broader challenge that organisations across education, business and public policy all face: how to encourage innovation without losing sight of wellbeing. Creating digital spaces that are safe, fair and genuinely designed around human needs isn’t just a matter of regulation, it’s also about culture, responsibility and long-term thinking.

👉 Read the full briefing here: https://heyor.ca/wbwif6

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