MPs urge under-16s UK smartphone ban and statutory ban in schools

Research shows there has been a 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022 and a study showing nearly 25% of children use smartphones in an addictive manner.

MPs have urged the next government to consider a total ban on smartphones for under 16-year-olds and a statutory ban on mobile phone use in schools as part of a crackdown on screen time for children.

Robin Walker MP, the Conservative chair of the committee, said excessive screen and smartphone use had a “clear negative impact” on the wellbeing of children and young people. “From exposure to pornography, to criminal gangs using online platforms to recruit children, the online world poses serious dangers. Parents and schools face an uphill struggle and government must do more to help them meet this challenge. This might require radical steps, such as potentially a ban on smartphones for under-16s.”

The education committee report said the next government should work with Ofcom, the communications regulator, to launch a consultation on new measures for use of smartphones – handsets that allow people to easily download apps and view websites. These would include: a “total” ban of smartphones for children under 16; parental controls installed on phones by default; and controls in app stores to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.

In February ministers issued guidance for headteachers that “prohibits the use of mobile phones” throughout the school day.

Ian Russell said: “Smartphone and social media bans would cause more harm than good and punish children for the failures of tech companies to protect them. The next government must follow the evidence and deliver stronger regulation.” The next government should concentrate on regulation and not bans that could deliver “worse outcomes”.

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