UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced plans for new research into the effects of social media and smartphone use on children, hinting that the UK may follow Australia’s lead in considering a social media ban for those under 16. This move comes amid increasing concern over the impact of technology on children’s mental health.

Australia has already set its sights on prohibiting social media access for under-16s, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declaring that “social media is doing harm to our kids” earlier this month. Kyle has expressed his interest in this proposal, stating he is “looking very closely” at the Australian model and remains “open-minded” about implementing similar measures in the UK.

In 2019, a review by the Chief Medical Officer of the UK concluded there was insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions about the links between social media, smartphones, and mental health in children. However, Kyle believes that technology companies may hold crucial research on the issue, prompting his department to initiate a six-month study, as well as a multiyear project, to guide future government action.

The debate has been reignited by campaigns from parents and advocacy groups, particularly following the release of The Anxious Generation by American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book suggests a link between rising childhood anxiety and depression and the increased use of smartphones, though some experts have questioned its findings.

The call for stronger regulation is gaining momentum, with the Safer Phones Bill, proposed by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, set to be debated in March. The bill includes provisions for banning social media use for under-16s. Additionally, Kyle has urged Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to report on its progress with the Online Safety Act. New laws, set to come into force in the spring, will require tech companies to protect children online and remove illegal content.

However, civil society groups argue that Ofcom has not been stringent enough in holding tech companies accountable. They claim that current regulations may not go far enough to protect children from harm, and that companies are not doing enough to comply.

Kyle has issued a “statement of strategic priorities” for Ofcom, calling for greater integration of safety features on digital platforms, a more agile response to emerging issues like generative artificial intelligence, and stronger measures against disinformation.

Ian Russell, chair of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a much-needed course correction” and urging Ofcom to take a bolder stance on child safety.

An Ofcom spokesperson responded positively to the draft priorities, noting that the final version will help shape future regulatory actions to protect children online.

Asking prices for homes in the UK saw a significant drop in November, falling by 1.4% to an average of £366,592, according to property platform Rightmove. The decline is notably steeper than the typical 0.8% dip seen in November over the past decade and reflects growing concerns about the housing market following recent government budget measures.

The downturn has been most pronounced in the “top-of-the-ladder” segment, with larger homes, including five-bedroom and detached four-bedroom properties, experiencing a sharp 3.3% drop in asking prices. This slowdown is attributed to a combination of political and economic uncertainty, compounded by recent changes to stamp duty and a lack of substantial support for first-time buyers in the latest budget.

Tim Bannister, Head of Property Data at Rightmove, pointed out that the market is still grappling with the aftermath of these financial changes. “There’s been a lot for home-movers to process over the past few weeks, and the market seems to still be digesting it,” he said.

Despite the current slump, there are signs of recovery as the Bank of England’s recent interest rate cuts begin to take effect. Rightmove has reported an uptick in buyer activity, and the property platform forecasts a 4% rise in asking prices in 2025, marking the highest growth expected since the post-lockdown boom of 2021.

So far this year, asking prices have increased by 1.2% year-on-year, in line with Rightmove’s expectations of a modest 1% annual rise as the market slows heading into December. In addition, a 23% rise in active house hunters and a 26% increase in agreed sales compared to last year suggest that interest rate reductions have begun to stimulate demand.

However, with a 6% year-on-year increase in the number of sellers, the market is seeing an abundance of supply, which could present challenges for price growth. Bannister remains optimistic, emphasizing that lower mortgage rates will improve affordability and buyer confidence. Yet, he cautioned sellers to be realistic about pricing. “Sellers will need to price competitively to secure buyers in a market with an abundance of choice,” he said.

As the UK housing market enters the traditionally busy spring and summer periods, Bannister noted that the speed at which mortgage rates decrease in 2025 will play a crucial role in determining market activity.