Growing Concerns Over Teen Social Media Addiction Spark New UK Legislation

The UK Parliament is looking at new legislation to regulate young people’s smartphone use. This aims to protect children from social media addiction and its harmful effects, as reported today by WIRED. The proposed bill would introduce stricter rules on how minors can use mobile phones and social media.

Introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, the bill proposes banning smartphones in schools. It also seeks to raise the age at which children can allow social media companies to use their data, according to EinPressWire.

A recent study from the Millennium Cohort, highlighted by The Guardian, reveals that nearly half (48%) of teenagers aged 16 to 18 feel addicted to social media. The research shows a notable gender gap: 57% of girls report feeling addicted, compared to 37% of boys.

Parents, educators, and mental health professionals are alarmed by these findings. They are worried about how social media affects children’s well-being, social development, and academic performance.

The call for smartphone restrictions is growing in Europe and the United States. For example, in August, TikTok agreed to permanently remove its Lite Rewards program in the European Union after concerns about its addictive effects were raised by the European Commission.

In the U.S., TikTok faces lawsuits from 13 states. They claim that the platform harms young users by keeping them engaged through addictive software design. New York has also taken action against the harmful effects of social media on minors. In June 2024, the state passed laws to protect children and teens from addictive social media practices.

The new UK bill includes several important measures to protect children, as reported by EinPressWire.

One key aspect is that it would prevent children under 16 from receiving algorithm-driven content recommendations, which can lead to endless scrolling. By limiting access to addictive content, the bill aims to reduce the time young users spend on these platforms, according to EinPressWire.

Another important provision is the ban on mobile phone use in schools, which supporters believe could help students focus on their studies, engage in healthier social interactions, and reduce anxiety from constant notifications, noted EinPressWire.

Additionally, the bill seeks to raise the age of data consent from 13 to 16. This means social media companies cannot collect personal data from younger users without parental approval, reported EinPressWirel. This change is seen as crucial in preventing companies from tailoring algorithms based on children’s online behavior.

The bill also gives the UK media regulator, Ofcom, more power to act against apps and platforms designed to be addictive to children, according to EinPressWire.

WIRED notes that despite growing support for the bill, some academics are concerned about the downsides of banning smartphones. They argue that while restrictions might help reduce addiction, they could also prevent children from enjoying the educational and social benefits of digital technologies.

Experts want more pressure on social media companies to create safer, more balanced online environments for children, rather than focusing solely on banning devices, as reported by WIRED.

As the debate over regulating social media and smartphones continues, finding a balance between safety and access to beneficial technology is becoming increasingly important.