Across Europe, pressure on governments to regulate the smartphone use of kids is growing. In the United Kingdom, the lobby group Smartphone Free Childhood is gaining traction. In a recent report, the educational committee of the British parliament calls for a smartphone ban for under 16-year-olds.
Earlier this month, French scientists handed over similar recommendations to President Macron. In the United States, too, concerns about children’s smartphone use and increased screen time is growing.
Experts: No Social Media for Kids Under 15
In response to a request by the French government to investigate digital safety for kids, a group of scientists have published a list of recommendations about screen time and digital safety for children. Some of the main findings are:
- Kids under 3 years old should have zero screen time; no phones, television and tablets.
- Under 6-year-olds should have minimal screen time and parental supervision at all times.
- Children under 11 should have no phone at all; kids under 13 should not have phones that connect to the internet.
- Social media should be prohibited for kids under 15.
The report stressed the importance of teaching digital independence in schools and at home, especially when it comes to preparing kids for the risks of social media.
They also criticize big social media companies like Snapchat and TikTok for purposefully using their algorithms to keep kinds engaged as long as possible at a complete disregard for their well-being.
Smartphone Ban in the United Kingdom?
MPs have asked the British parliament to consider a ban on smartphones for kids under 16 years old. Robin Walker, Conservative MP of the educational committee states that screen time and smartphone use have a “clear negative impact” on young people’s well-being.
Concerns about exposure to pornography and crime online, are growing. It’s for this reason that the committee is asking the government to take national steps to increase kids’ online safety.
Included in the report, is the recommendation to consider a smartphone ban for schools. Daisy Greenwell, founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, has responded enthusiastically to the committee’s suggestions.
However, not everyone is in support. Ian Russell of the Molly Rose Foundation, whose teenage daughter Molly took her own life after coming across harmful social media posts, warns that children should not become victims of big tech’s failure to act. He recommends regulation over outright bans.
