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Bournemouth Residents Discuss Social Media Age Restrictions

Ministers are considering a ban on social media for under-16s, with a consultation set to explore age limits and other measures.

Ministers are moving forward with plans to potentially ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This initiative is part of a broader consultation process that is expected to begin soon. The consultation will explore various options, including setting an age limit and implementing less stringent measures such as curbing infinite scrolling. This step is seen as a significant move towards addressing concerns about the impact of social media on younger users.

Programme Details

The consultation, led by Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, will outline the terms of reference for this policy exploration. Government insiders have indicated that there is a growing certainty that Keir Starmer will support the idea. The consultation aims to gather input on the best approach to regulate social media usage among younger individuals, considering both strict and moderate measures. The focus will be on finding a balance that addresses safety concerns while considering the practical implications of such regulations.

Timeline

The consultation is expected to commence next week, marking a critical step in the government's efforts to regulate social media usage among minors. The outcome of this consultation could lead to significant changes in how social media platforms operate in relation to younger users. The government is keen to ensure that any measures implemented are effective in protecting young people while also being feasible for enforcement.

The consultation process will provide an opportunity for various stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of social media regulation in the UK. The results of this consultation will likely influence the final decision on whether to implement an age restriction or other measures to safeguard young users.

Story inspired by reporting from The Guardian.