LONDON, March 24 (Reuters) - Hundreds of British families will test social media bans, curfews and app time limits to see how they impact children's sleep, family life and schoolwork, the government
Britain Pilots Social Media Bans, Curfews, and Time Limits for Children
Government Initiatives to Protect Children Online
Overview of the Pilot Program
LONDON, March 24 (Reuters) - Hundreds of British families will test social media bans, curfews and app time limits to see how they impact children's sleep, family life and schoolwork, the government said.
Potential Policy Changes
Britain, like other governments, is considering restricting access to social media for children. Nothing is off the table, it has said, including following Australia in a complete ban for under-16s.
Expert and Youth Opinions
Experts have said there is no clear evidence that a ban would be effective, while a group of young people in London recently told Reuters they were opposed to restrictions.
Details of the Pilot and Consultation
Scope of the Pilot
The measures will be tested in the homes of 300 teenagers, the government said, and data from the pilots would inform a consultation launched earlier this month.
Government Statements
Comments from Technology Secretary Liz Kendall
"We are determined to give young people the childhood they deserve and to prepare them for the future," Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said on Tuesday.
"This is why we are listening to parents, children and experts with our consultation, as well as testing different options in the real world.
"These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Louise Heavens)
