The federal government is contemplating introducing more durable on-line security measures to restrict the period of time youngsters can spend on social media, the BBC understands.
Proposals embrace a two-hour cap on the usage of particular person social media apps and a 22:00 curfew, as first reported by the Sunday Folks and the Mirror.
Showing on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Expertise Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned he was wanting on the “addictive nature of a few of the apps and smartphones”, when requested whether or not cut-off dates can be thought of.
However a web based security campaigner has accused the federal government of delaying bringing in new legal guidelines to guard youngsters.
Ian Russell, whose daughter, Molly, took her personal life at 14 after seeing dangerous content material on-line, mentioned: “Daily the federal government has delayed bringing in more durable on-line security legal guidelines we have seen extra younger lives misplaced and broken due to weak regulation and inaction by large tech.”
Mr Russell, who backed the earlier authorities’s On-line Security Act, mentioned solely “stronger and simpler” laws would “lastly change the dial on basically unsafe merchandise and enterprise fashions that prioritise engagement over security.”
“Dad and mom up and down the nation can be delighted to see the prime minister act decisively to quell the tsunami of hurt youngsters face on-line, however sticking plasters won’t do the job.”
Kyle advised the BBC he had not been in a position to converse publicly in regards to the authorities’s plans to toughen on-line security legal guidelines as a result of laws handed by the earlier Conservative authorities in 2023 had but to be enacted.
“This yr we have had unlawful content material that must be taken down, however in July, age-appropriate materials should be provided by platforms, in any other case there will be legal sanctions in opposition to them,” he advised the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
He mentioned that he had been wanting rigorously at what authorities wanted to do subsequent to “nail down more durable” on security, “perceive what a wholesome on-line life for youngsters” regarded like and “cease the limitations” in direction of reaching that.
In January, Kyle advised the BBC that legal guidelines on web security had been “very uneven” and “unsatisfactory”, following calls from campaigners to tighten the foundations.
The minister expressed his “frustration” with the On-line Security Act however didn’t commit to creating modifications to the laws.
A Whitehall supply later advised the BBC there have been no plans to repeal the act.
