A politician has put forward his ideas, which he hopes will create a new law banning smartphones in schools in England.
The official proposal, called a private members’ bill, also recommends that social media platforms change the way they work for children.
Josh MacAlister, who is a Labour Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington, wants the age of “internet adulthood” to be raised from 13 to 16. This would mean under-16s would need a parent or legal guardian’s permission to use social apps like TikTok and Instagram.
Mr MacAlister says the bill will “protect children from the harms that can be caused by excessive screen time, and the use of social media”.
Not everyone agrees that smartphones are a bad thing, some people say they are useful for kids’ development and can be used for socialising.
Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on phone use, after government guidance was introduced in February but Mr MacAlister wants the protections to be made into law.
His ideas have to go through formal parliament debates to decide whether or not they can be voted into law.
The MP, who used to be a teacher, hopes that by raising the ideas it will help to reduce the risk of children becoming addicted to social media.
