Online Responsibility Network is urging the UK Government to ensure any new restrictions are evidence-led, proportionate and focused on the features that drive compulsive use of social media.
This morning, our Regulatory Lead, Leanne Proctor, featured on LBC News calling for ‘a multistakeholder approach’ in response to today’s scrolling curfew announcement from Keir Starmer. Read more
A multistakeholder approach places the responsibility on all parties (companies, parents and government) working together to make online environments safer for all audiences, with priority given to the potential impact on younger audiences.
Reacting to the government announcement, Leanne said: "The jury is still out on whether scrolling curfews actually reduce the online harms experienced by teenagers. There is no silver-bullet policy for tackling this urgent issue.
"While we welcome the government's willingness to act, evidence from overseas suggests we should be cautious about viewing this policy as a solution to online harms.
"Some countries have already abandoned similar restrictions on online gaming after they failed to deliver the intended results.
"Including the option that allows social media users to turn off this new function, could considerably blunt the effectiveness of any curfew.
“Every platform and brand has a role to play in making the internet safer. Our research found that most Gen Z users believe the primary responsibility for online safety lies with the platforms themselves.
"A genuine solution will require action from all sides: platforms investing in effective safety controls, supported by robust and effective regulation through the Online Safety Act."
There are a number of proposed measures that aim to reduce late-night scrolling with a view to encouraging healthier digital habits. Sleep protection and wellbeing amongst teenagers has been a prominent topic in recent weeks, particularly surrounding platforms engineered to keep users of all ages engaged for prolonged periods.
However, the blanket curfew proposed in today’s’ announcement from Keir Starmer may not reflect the varied ways older teenagers use digital platforms. Many 16- and 17-year-olds work late shifts, study into the evening, travel independently, communicate with friends and family, or use social media for creative and professional purposes.
Therefore, we believe that any measures introduced by Government should aim to distinguish between passive, compulsive scrolling and deliberate online activity.