A leaked report indicates the UK government may propose legislation prohibiting the sale of smartphones to children under the age of 16. According to the leak, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is spearheading the effort. A “nondenial” issued by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s government has only further fueled speculation regarding the proposal. “Our commitment to making the UK the safest place to be a child online is unwavering,” a government spokesman said.
Despite criticism calling the potential restriction “Orwellian” and unenforceable, many conservatives argue that this action could help establish healthier societal norms. They point to the proven harm excessive smartphone usage can inflict on younger users. Conservative MP Miriam Cates, a strong pro-family advocate, insists that established bans on harmful activities like underage driving receive broad support, suggesting that a similar consensus could emerge around a smartphone prohibition.
Leading figures in the education community have also expressed their approval of the potential ban. Katherine Birbalsingh, recognized for her no-nonsense approach to education, suggests the law could effectively shift cultural expectations around children’s use of smartphones. Former police and army officer Henry Bolton also backs the policy, stating that such a change in law would alleviate the peer pressure exerted on children to acquire digital devices. Recent polling data indicates that a significant majority of parents support the ban and perceive smartphones as harmful to their children.
The National Pulse reported last summer that China moved to limit the amount of time children are allowed to spend on smartphones and other digital devices amid growing concerns over internet addiction.
