Government considering setting social media screen time limits for children

The Government has said that it is considering setting social media screen time limits for children.

Sky News says that Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Peter Kyle told them he was worried about "the overall amount of time kids spend on these apps."

He said a two-hour cap per platform could be set.

They also report that there have also been discussions about a ban during the school day or at night time.

The department for Science, Innovation and Technology has confirmed to Newsround that Mr Kyle gave the comments to Sky News.

According to Sky News, children would be blocked from accessing social media apps once they have reached the two hour limit.

Mr Kyle told the broadcaster: "I'll be making an announcement on these things in the near future. But I am looking very carefully about the overall time kids spend on these apps.

"I think some parents feel a bit disempowered about how to actually make their kids healthier online," he added.

An announcement on screen time is expected later this year, in this autumn.

Newsround asked the government to confirm Mr Kyle's comments. They told Newsround they were "pointing back to the Secretary of State's words in the Sky piece" and had nothing further to add.

Let us know what you think about this idea. Do you think blocking children from social media apps if they go over two hours a day is helpful?

And do you think it will work? Get involved in the comments below.