United Kingdom: Announced Safer Phones Bill

On 15 October 2024, the Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington announced the Safer Phones Bill aimed at protecting children from the negative effects of excessive screen time and the use of social media and other potentially addictive applications. The Bill seeks to enhance protections for children's rights and interests concerning smartphone use by including four main provisions, including raising the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16 to limit companies' ability to obtain data consent from children without parental permission. The Bill also seeks to establish smartphone-free schools by mandating that all schools become mobile-free zones. The Bill aims to enhance the powers of the Office of Communications to address addictive applications by enforcing age verification and establishing a code of conduct for technology companies. The Bill also seeks commitment from the Government to review further regulations regarding the design, supply, marketing, and use of mobile phones by children under 16.