UK government aiming to build a safer online world for children

The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has announced to launch a study to explore the effects of smartphones and social media use on children. The goal is to formulate an evidence-based plan to create a better online experience for children.

The plan comes as Ofcom, the online safety regulator in the UK, is preparing to implement the Online Safety Act in 2025.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle wants to push social media platforms to do more to protect children from harmful content and to create an inclusive digital world free of disinformation.

“Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government. That is why today I will be the first secretary of state to exercise the power to set out my strategic priorities. While the Online Safety Act sets the foundation of creating better experiences online, we must keep pace with technology as it evolves to create a safer internet, especially for children,” Kyle said in a statement on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the Secretary announced the launch of a new study to dive into the effects of smartphones and social media use on children. The study follows a 2019 review by the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, who found insufficient evidence to prove a link between the impact of smartphones and social media on the health of children.

“The project will improve policy makers' understanding of the relationship between children’s wellbeing and smartphone use and help direct future government action,” Kyle stated.

The Online Safet Act aims to create an online world for children where they are protected from harmful and inappropriate content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming. Social media are required to better verify the user’s age, but also to thwart the distribution of fake news and disinformation, and tackle criminal and fraudulent activities on their platforms.

Businesses that don’t comply can expect a fine up to £18 million, or 10% of their global turnover, whichever is higher.

The UK government’s plan resembles Australia’s initiative to protect children from online harm. In September, Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese announced it was planning to set a minimum age for children to use social media.

“I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts. We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm,” he said.