UK MPs Debate Safer Phones Bill Amid Government Opposition

The Safer Phones Bill, introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, aims to address the harmful effects of smartphone and social media use among children but has faced significant opposition, resulting in a weakened proposal. Originally intended to restrict addictive algorithms targeting young teenagers and raise the age of consent for data sharing from 13 to 16, the bill now focuses on further government research rather than immediate legislative changes. Supporters, including health officials, express disappointment over the dilution of the bill, which was aimed at protecting children from the dangers of digital addiction. Some key provisions, such as bans on mobile phones in schools and stricter regulations on social media companies, have been removed following pushback from education ministers. Despite the setbacks, advocates hope the bill will still encourage the government to take the issue seriously and potentially revisit the original proposals in the future. The second reading in the Commons is scheduled for Friday, where MPs will debate the bill's current form.