Overview
- Peers voted 261–150 to support Lord Nash’s amendment endorsing an Australian‑style ban, a move that now goes to the government and the Commons for consideration.
- The government has launched a three‑month consultation that includes a possible ban, raising the digital age of consent, curfews, enforced breaks to curb doomscrolling, and tighter age‑verification.
- Ofsted has been asked to scrutinize schools’ mobile phone policies during inspections, and the government will issue evidence‑based screen‑time guidance for parents.
- Ministers will visit Australia to assess its ban, in force since December 2025, as researchers report early signs of circumvention and urge waiting for robust evidence.
- Digital‑rights groups warn a ban could require mass age‑verification with privacy and security risks, while campaigners, MPs and charities remain split over urgency and potential unintended harms.