Jakarta, INTI - The UK government has launched a national consultation on children’s use of social media and mobile phones amid growing concerns that excessive screen time, time spent on devices with screens, may negatively affect young people’s mental health, learning, and social development.
The move marks a new phase in the UK’s approach to regulating the digital environment for children, as policymakers face increasing pressure from parents, schools, and lawmakers to curb the growing influence of social media and smartphones in daily life.
Backed by a national public discussion, the consultation will gather perspectives from parents, young people, and civil society on ways to help children develop healthier relationships with technology, the UK government stated on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Alongside the consultation, the UK government also announced immediate measures to tighten mobile phone restrictions in schools. Ofsted, the school inspection body, will now be required to check during every inspection whether phone bans are properly enforced, with the expectation that schools become “automatically phone-free.”
The policy change comes amid growing evidence that smartphones are still widely used in classrooms despite existing rules. Official data show that 58 percent of secondary school students report using phones without permission during at least some lessons, rising to 65 percent among older students.
The consultation will examine various regulatory options, including raising the digital age of consent, strengthening age verification systems, introducing “phone curfews” to limit excessive use, and restricting potentially addictive design features such as endless scrolling and streaks.
Guidance and Regulatory Measures for Safer Digital Use
The UK government will also issue evidence-based screen time guidance for parents of children aged 5–16, following a separate guide for parents of toddlers scheduled for release in April. The guidance aims to help families manage children’s use of digital devices at home. Updated school guidance will make it clearer that students should not access mobile phones during lessons, breaks, or between classes.
UK media reports indicate that the initiative also reflects growing political pressure for stronger action on child online safety, with lawmakers from multiple parties supporting proposals to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
The UK government stated that it will respond to the consultation this summer as part of a broader strategy to enhance children’s well-being in the digital age.
Conclusion
With the consultation, updated school guidance, and upcoming parental advice, the UK is taking a comprehensive approach to managing children’s digital interactions. By combining regulation, public input, and evidence-based guidance, the government aims to foster safer, healthier, and more balanced technology use among children, ensuring their well-being in an increasingly digital world.
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