Overview

This bill aims to improve the digital safety and data protection of children in the UK. It mandates the publication of guidance for parents on children's smartphone and social media use, a research plan on social media's impact on children, and an assessment of the digital age of consent.

Description

The bill introduces three key actions:

• Advice on Smartphone and Social Media Use: Within 12 months, the UK's Chief Medical Officers must publish advice for parents and carers on children's use of smartphones and social media, considering existing research and recent developments.
• Research Plan on Social Media's Impact: The Secretary of State must publish a plan for research into the impact of social media use on children within 12 months.
• Assessment of Children's Online Experiences and Digital Age of Consent: Simultaneously with the research plan, the Secretary of State must publish an assessment of whether children's online experiences are age-appropriate and if the current digital age of consent is appropriate and effective. This assessment will include a statement on whether the digital age of consent should be increased. The Secretary of State must consult OFCOM and the Information Commissioner in preparing this assessment.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. However, costs will be incurred in producing the advice, research plan, and assessment, as well as any subsequent research funded by the plan.

Groups Affected

• Children: Directly impacted by the aim to improve their online safety and data protection.
• Parents and Carers: Will receive guidance on children's smartphone and social media use.
• UK Chief Medical Officers: Responsible for creating the advice for parents.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for commissioning research and publishing the assessment.
• OFCOM and the Information Commissioner: Consulted for the assessment of children's online experiences and the digital age of consent.
• Social Media Companies: Indirectly affected by the research and potential changes to the digital age of consent.

Powered by nyModel