Polls show that policies protecting children are strongly supported, but some Conservatives are concerned about government overreach
A ban on the sale of cellphones to minors under 16 is being considered by ministers in light of the strong public support indicated by multiple polls. Two months ago, the government issued recommendations for the use of mobile phones in English schools; however, in light of several campaigns, more limits are being thought of in order to improve kid safety. The mother of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was killed in her home last year, has been pushing for stronger regulations on social media app access and an age restriction on smartphone use.
In February, Ghey told the BBC: “We support policy requiring the sale of cell phones intended only for individuals under the age of sixteen. Thus, people who are older than 16 may own an adult phone, while those who are younger than 16 may own a children’s phone that does not have access to all of the newest social networking apps.”
Parentkind consulted 2,496 parents of school-age children in England in March, and 58% of parents said they thought the government should forbid anyone under 16 from owning smartphones. Additionally, the poll showed that more than four out of five parents said they thought cellphones were “harmful” for kids and teenagers.
In another survey conducted by More in Common, 64% of respondents believed that implementing a ban on selling smartphones to individuals under 16 would be a favorable idea, while 20% opposed it.
The proposal garnered significant support across political affiliations, with 72% of 2019 Tory voters and 61% of Labour voters endorsing the ban, according to the think tank. However, some Conservatives expressed discomfort at the notion of another ban.
One Tory government source characterized the idea as “out of touch,” stating, “It’s not the government’s role to step in and microparent; we’re meant to make parents more aware of the powers they have like restrictions on websites, apps and even the use of parental control apps.”
They suggested that the government should only intervene in extreme cases where it can “parent better than actual parents and guardians.”
“We do not comment on speculation,” a government spokesman said. Our ground-breaking Online Safety Act demonstrates our unwavering commitment to make the UK the safest location for kids to use the internet.”
Rishi Sunak is ready for any backlash to his plan to outlaw cigarette sales to the younger generation. If the plans, first reported by the Guardian, are approved by MPs, the smoking age will be raised steadily by one year per year, beginning with anybody born on or after January 1, 2009, effectively including anyone currently 14 or younger.
Last year’s Conservative Party convention saw the initial introduction of the policy. Since then, though, the New Zealand Conservative administration has declared that it intends to remove the nation’s smoking ban.