UK and US join forces on child online safety as debate over smartphones in schools intensifies

UK, mobile, phone, smartphones
Photo credit: eriereader.com

According to UK Technology secretary Peter Kyle stated that schools are increasingly choosing to limit pupils' access to the devices. Kyle noted that in his constituency in the southeast of England, no schools allow smartphones to be used freely during the school day, particularly in classrooms, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

While the government has stopped short of an outright ban, recent guidance encourages schools to adopt effective smartphone-free policies. However, campaigners from the group Smartphone Free Childhood are calling for stricter measures to completely remove smartphones from schools. Co-founder Clare Fernyhough described the situation as urgent, urging the government to take immediate action.

Kyle's comments come as the UK and US announced their first joint agreement aimed at improving online safety for children. The initiative will establish a joint working group to share expertise and research, focusing on the impact of social media and new technologies like generative AI on children.

The agreement highlights the need for greater transparency from tech platforms and a better understanding of the digital world's effects on young people. Both governments acknowledged the lack of comprehensive research on the causal impact of social media on children's well-being.

Kyle emphasised that the partnership between the US and UK sends a strong message to tech companies, making clear that there will be no hiding when it comes to protecting children. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement is a necessary step to safeguard children’s privacy, safety, and mental health.

While the UK’s Online Safety Act places obligations on online platforms to protect children, it is not yet fully implemented, with guidance still being developed by the communications regulator, Ofcom.

Earlier, it was reported that London school bans smartphones and introduces “brick” phones.

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