Social media restrictions for children ‘need to stand test of time’ – Phillipson
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that the UK government will implement age or functionality restrictions on social media for under-16s, though it has not committed to an outright ban. She emphasized the need for protective measures to withstand long-term scrutiny, citing concerns over online content and screen time. The move follows a broader consultation on children's access to digital platforms, including gaming sites and AI chatbots.
- ▪The UK government plans to introduce age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16.
- ▪Bridget Phillipson expressed concern about the content children are exposed to online and the addictive nature of social media platforms.
- ▪The government has been consulting on restricting children's access to social media, gaming sites, and AI chatbots as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
- ▪Phillipson stressed that the debate is not about whether action should be taken, but about the appropriate form it should take.
- ▪There have been calls for an Australian-style ban on children's social media use, though questions remain about its effectiveness.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsSocial media restrictions for children ‘need to stand test of time’ – PhillipsonThe Education Secretary said it is ‘not a question of whether we take further action to protect young people, it’s the shape of that action.’David Hughes Tuesday 28 April 2026 08:20 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"9cad3ad6-d9af-40db-95ac-1a61ca3373c5","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/children-bridget-phillipson-government-b2966164.html","title":"Social media restrictions for children ‘need to stand test of time’ – Phillipson"}}open…
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