Rebecca Manzi No smartphone if you are under 16: this is the proposal made by the Secretary of State for Innovation Michelle Donelan to protect young people from online dangers. If the world of politics is divided, most parents seem supportive
The United Kingdom is grappling with a pressing issue concerning the use of smartphones among its youth. A proposal has been put forward that might ban the sale of smartphones to individuals under 16. While not yet an official bill, it has sparked lively debates within the British government and among the public.
Proposed by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Michelle Donelan, the idea has stirred political divisions and concerns. While some parents and proponents believe that restricting smartphone access could shield young people from online dangers and tech addiction, others argue that such a measure might be excessive and misplaced.
Supporting the proponents, a survey conducted by Parentkid revealed that over half of the parents polled (58%) favor banning smartphone sales to teens, with only a third opposing it.
This data, along with other similar research indicating that 80% of parents believe mobile devices are harmful to children, shows significant adult consensus on the need to protect the young from the potential negatives of smartphones.
Proposal supported by a mother of a bullying victim
One of the most vocal supporters of this initiative is Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl who was a victim of online bullying and ultimately lost her life due to violence by peers.
Esther Ghey emphasized the importance of providing teenagers with mobile devices that match their age and maturity to shield them from harmful and dangerous content. According to her, the law should allow children under 16 only to have a kid’s phone without the full array of social media apps currently available.
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed ban. Some members of the British Conservative Party believe that limiting smartphone access could be an undue interference in the private lives of citizens. Instead, they suggest the focus should be on educating parents about the importance of parental controls and online restrictions.
Despite political divisions and controversies, the UK seems determined to take steps to protect its youth from the online world. The issue of smartphone use by minors remains a focal point, with this proposal following guidelines that have already banned mobile phone use in schools.
