A social media 10pm curfew and an App Cap may both to introduced to protect children in Britain from addiction, says a minister.
Sir Chris Bryant, the creative industries minister, stressed that a “package of measures” was being planned to safeguard youngsters.
Asked if this could include a 10pm curfew or an App Cap, Sir Chris told BBC Breakfast: “It might well be all of these things.
“We want to look at all of these issues in the round and it will be a package of measures.
“I want to say to the AI companies and all the tech sector, this is London Tech week, work with us.
“Tech is part of our life now and we need to make sure that tech was made for humanity, not humanity made for tech.”
Sir Chris also told how he had quit X, also known as Twitter, because he did not believe it was good for his health.
Speaking at a London tech conference, Sir Keir Starmer said that within the coming years the Government should be able to "look every parent in the eye" and pledge that tech can create a "better future" for their children.
Stressing the benefits of the technological revolution, he said: "We can put money in your pocket, we can create wealth in your community, we can create good jobs, vastly improve our public services, and build a better future for your children.
"That, to me, is the opportunity we must seize."
But earlier, the father of Molly Russell had warned “sticking plasters” will not be enough to strengthen online safety measures after the Government indicated it was considering an “App Cap” for children.
Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter took her own life after viewing harmful content on social media, urged the Prime Minister to “act decisively” in toughening legislation to protect young people online.
It comes after Tech Secretary Pete Kyle signalled he was looking at measures to restrict the amount of time children spend on their phones, including through a possible 10pm curfew or App Cap which could be a two-hour limit.
Mr Russell, who is chairman of the Molly Rose Foundation set up in his daughter’s memory, said: “Every day the Government has delayed bringing in tougher online safety laws we’ve seen more young lives lost and damaged because of weak regulation and inaction by big tech.
“Parents up and down the country would be delighted to see the Prime Minister act decisively to quell the tsunami of harm children face online, but sticking plasters will not do the job.
“Only a stronger and more effective Online Safety Act will finally change the dial on fundamentally unsafe products and business models that prioritise engagement over safety.”
The Online Safety Act has passed into law, and from this year will require tech platforms to follow new Ofcom-issued codes of practice to keep users safe online, particularly children.
Hefty fines and site blockages are among the penalties for those caught breaking the rules, but many critics have argued the approach gives tech firms too much scope to regulate themselves.
