The government’s proposed social media ban for under-16s could create a new battleground for separated parents, family lawyers at HCR Law have warned.
The proposals, which are intended to protect children from harmful online content and excessive social media use, could add a new dimension to disputes between separated parents over, the lawyers claim.
Andrew Morris, family law partner at HCR Law said: “Many separated parents already disagree about issues such as screen time, smartphones and access to social media. What is changing is the wider public and political conversation around children’s online safety.
“If the law moves towards restricting social media access for under-16s, parents who allow unrestricted access may find their decisions coming under greater scrutiny if disputes reach the family courts.
He added: “This does not mean that a child watching YouTube or using a social media app will suddenly affect where they live or how much time they spend with a parent. Family courts take a proportionate approach. However, where there are genuine concerns about a child’s welfare, wellbeing or exposure to harmful content, digital supervision may become an increasingly relevant consideration.”
HCR lawyers believe the proposals are likely to reignite debate around when children should be given smartphones and what parental controls should be in place. It says that disagreements about digital access are already becoming increasingly common.
Morris added: “Children are often given phones to help them stay in contact with both parents following a separation. However, a smartphone is much more than a telephone. It can provide unrestricted access to social media, messaging platforms and online content.
“As concerns about online safety continue to grow, separated parents may need to have much clearer conversations about the rules and boundaries that apply in both households.”
