These days, it seems our kids are always distracted by a screen of some kind.
The number of adolescent girls using social media for over three hours a day has doubled in recent years, and boys are almost at that level, too. 4.9 percent of boys used social media for more than three hours a day in 2011/12, rising to 8.3 percent in 2015/16.
Now, the UK information commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, will oversee the introduction of a new code that could make social media platforms change their settings for kids.
Social media companies could be fined if they don't comply with these proposed measures.
Some of these altered settings may include turning off notifications when children are sleeping, according to the Independent, as well as eliminating features that promote excessive social media use (for example, Snapchat 'streaks').
The Telegraph reports that Denham will be consulting with both kids and parents on what measures they want to be included in the legally-enforced code.
One senior official said, "We are looking to make sure it’s more tailored to them. It’s giving children and parents a voice in this.”
This new code will most likely be implemented by the end of 2019.
What do you think of these possible future measures?
