Labour MP continues to push Safer Phones Bill to limit kids’ smartphone use

Labour MP Josh MacAllister is pushing to limit children’s smartphone use and curb addictive social media content. In October 2024, he introduced the Safer Phones Bill, which proposes to restrict phone use.

MacAllister’s Private Member’s Bill was presented to Parliament today (Friday). It seeks to make it a legal requirement for all schools in England to be mobile-free zones during the school day.

The bill also proposes raising the minimum age for children to consent to data sharing from 13 to 16. Additionally, it aims to strengthen Ofcom’s powers to protect children from apps designed to be addictive and calls for a review of regulations surrounding the design, supply, marketing, and use of mobile phones by children under 16.

The government argues that headteachers already have the authority to restrict phone use during school hours.

The *Safer Phones Bill* has gained support from education unions, children’s charities, and MPs across party lines. However, as of March 2025, it has not yet been enacted into law. The debate continues over the best ways to protect children from the negative effects of excessive smartphone use and addictive online content.

Some manufacturers are already taking steps to limit children’s smartphone use. HMD last week launched a new Fusion X1 smartphone with parental controls, no default social media or internet access, and continuous location tracking. Parents can manage settings remotely via a subscription starting at €4.99 per month.