What's happened
Dame Rachel de Souza calls for families to establish phone-free times during Christmas, emphasizing adult role modeling. She highlights children’s online habits, launches a new online safety guide, and warns of potential social media bans if current measures fail to improve online safety for minors.
What's behind the headline?
Leading by example is crucial in shaping children's online habits. Dame Rachel's call for adults to turn off their phones during family time underscores the importance of modeling healthy behavior. Her new guide emphasizes ongoing, open conversations about online safety, which is vital given that many teenagers feel unable to discuss harmful content due to embarrassment or fear of punishment. The potential for a social media ban under 16 remains a contentious issue, with Dame Rachel prepared to push for stricter regulation if current measures under the Online Safety Act are ineffective. The government's upcoming review of screen time guidance, especially for under-fives, signals recognition of the issue, but critics argue that more direct action against tech companies is needed. Overall, the story highlights a societal shift towards more responsible digital engagement, with a focus on parental influence and regulatory enforcement to protect children online.
What the papers say
The Independent reports Dame Rachel de Souza's plea for families to reduce phone use during Christmas, emphasizing leading by example. She launched a new online safety guide, warning that teenagers want clear boundaries but often hesitate to seek help online. The article also notes her consideration of a social media ban for under-16s if current safety measures fail. The Mirror discusses ongoing government efforts to update screen time guidance for young children, including talks with officials about new restrictions and the importance of parental awareness. Both sources highlight the tension between individual choice, parental responsibility, and regulatory action in managing children's digital lives.
How we got here
Concerns over children's screen time and online safety have grown, prompting government and advocacy efforts. Recent data shows children spend several hours online daily, while adults also increase their digital engagement. Dame Rachel de Souza advocates for parental leadership and better regulation, amid ongoing debates about social media restrictions and updated guidance for young children.
Go deeper
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Elizabeth Louise Kendall is a British Labour Party politician who has been Member of Parliament for Leicester West since 2010.
Kendall was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge where she read history.
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The Office of Communications, commonly known as Ofcom, is the government-approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom.
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Dame Rachel Mary de Souza DBE is a British educationalist, and former head teacher. She was the founding chief executive of the Inspiration Trust and served in that role until March 2021, when she took up the post of Children's Commissioner for England.