Under-16s facing social media ban to help protect them

A SOCIAL media ban for under16s is among a raft of proposals set to be unveiled by the Government within weeks, it has been reported.

Ministers will also consider banning children from buying smartphones, as part of a consultation on protecting the young online.

The tough stance is at odds with how many tech platforms operate – their minimum age limit is 13 largely across the board.

Last week, Meta faced widespread criticism after lowering the minimum age on WhatsApp from 16 to 13 in the UK.

The proposals are expected to be published before the end of the month, it was reported.

They are said to have been worked up by Technology Secretary Michelle donelan. Rishi Sunak’s deputy chief of staff, Will Tanner, is also said to be heavily involved, suggesting there is strong backing for them at the very top.

The consultation will seek parents’ views on when children should be allowed to access social media, with an age range provided between 13 and 16. It will also ask their views on whether extra safeguards, which would allow parents to monitor and control their access to platforms, should be installed, according to The Sunday Times.

The mother of Brianna Ghey, whose daughter was killed by two- by two 15-year-olds who watched violent content online, is campaigning for social media ban for under-16s.

Former deputy prime minister Sir nick Clegg, who is Meta’s president of global affairs, will reportedly be briefed on the plans in the coming days.

A department for Science, Innovation and Technology spokesman said that they ‘do not comment on speculation’, before adding: ‘our commitment to making the uK the safest place for children to be online is unwavering.’