Children in UK face social media ban and tougher Ofsted phone checks

The government has opened a consultation on measures including a possible ban on social media for under-16s and limits on addictive app features, while Ofsted will begin checking school mobile phone policies on inspections immediately.

Ministers announced a wide-ranging consultation on Monday to gather evidence on ways to limit children’s exposure to harmful online content. Options set out for review include a social media ban for under-16s, phone curfews, restricting addictive app features and raising the digital age of consent. The government also ordered Ofsted to examine school mobile phone policies on every inspection with immediate effect. A vote on a House of Lords amendment proposing a ban is scheduled for Wednesday, and officials say they will respond to the consultation in the summer. Key points: - A government consultation will examine options such as a social media ban for under-16s, phone curfews and limits on app features described as potentially addictive. - Ofsted has been ordered to check mobile phone policies on every school inspection so pupils do not have access to devices during lessons and key school periods. - Officials have said they will respond to the consultation in the summer, and a Lords vote on an amendment to prevent under-16s using social media is due on Wednesday. - There are divided views: more than 60 MPs and some bereaved parents support a ban, while charities, experts and other parents warn of possible unintended consequences. Summary: The announcements mark a move toward tighter scrutiny of how children access and use social media while ministers gather further evidence. Specific decisions remain under review; officials plan a consultation response in the summer and a Lords vote on an amendment is imminent.