Labour MP Josh MacAllister proposed banning smartphones in schools and raising the minimum age at which children can consent to social media companies accessing their data.

According to Wired, the push for tighter smartphone regulations follows increasing fears that these devices are contributing to a decline in children's mental health and their ability to concentrate.

 Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation, Campaigners from Smartphone Free Childhood advocates for parents to delay giving their children smartphones until they are at least 13.

This movement reflects similar initiatives in other countries, such as Florida, where legislation now prohibits under-14s from holding social media accounts. Australia is also considering comparable restrictions.

Academics and digital experts warn that outright bans on smartphones and social media may not offer a universal solution. Some argue that such legislation could deprive young people of the potential benefits of smartphones, including educational tools and social connections.

These experts suggest that social media companies should be held more responsible for creating safer digital environments for children.

While details of the proposed UK bill remain limited, MacAllister has indicated that it would make it illegal for social media platforms to exploit children's data until they reach the age of 16.

In a recent interview, he emphasised that the legislation aims to protect children from "addictive bad design features" embedded in many social media platforms. The bill also includes provisions that would make banning smartphones in schools a legal requirement.