Social media restrictions for under-16s to be implemented, says minister

["The UK government is set to introduce social media restrictions for under-16s, with or without an outright ban, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told the BBC. The government is consulting on various measures to prevent teenagers from accessing addictive and harmful material online. Phillipson's comments come after junior education minister Olivia Bailey said the government would 'impose some form of age or functionality restrictions' even if it stopped short of a ban.", '', "The government's plans have been influenced by campaigners who have called for an Australia-style ban on children using social media.

However, there are questions about the effectiveness of such a prohibition. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would give ministers the power to introduce sweeping restrictions on social media usage, has been the subject of a stand-off between the government and the House of Lords. Peers have repeatedly pushed for a ban, voting in favor of opposition amendments on four occasions.", '', "The government has proposed further amendments to the bill, including one that would give ministers the power to implement a ban in the future.

MPs have supported the government's changes to the draft law, and the bill now returns to the Lords for final consideration before it receives royal assent and becomes law. Bailey said the government is 'focused on addictive features, harmful algorithmically-driven content and features' and that consideration of restrictions such as curfews will be in addition to age or functionality restrictions.", '', "The government's consultation, which concludes on May 26, may provide clues about specific restrictions that will be implemented. Campaigners have welcomed the government's commitment to taking action, but some have expressed concerns that existing rules and actions have fallen short of delivering protections children need to have safer, healthier experiences online.

Phillipson said there are a range of views on what measures to impose among campaigners and that the consultation will determine 'the shape of that action'."]