Children under 16 could be banned from buying mobile phones under new plans

Ministers are considering banning mobile phone sales to children under 16 years old, it has emerged.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are discussing the measure - backed by the majority of parents and some Tory MPs - to enable greater parental empowerment, according to government insiders.

Mobile phones have already been banned in schools in a bid to minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms.

But ministers are now considering going further as part of a range of measures to protect children, with discussions believed to be in their early stages before a consultation.

A Government source said: 'There is increasing evidence that technology and social media is changing childhood. The Cass review shows that children's early exposure to pornography might be one of the things that is driving the rapid rise in children wanting to change gender. 

'The Prime Minister's view is when it comes to our children, we should take a precautionary approach and be more vigilant than we would be with adults.'

Last week the Prime Minister admitted his two daughters have smartphones - but warned parents about the dangers of social media.

'I talked to my wife about this a lot,' he told SunTV.

'And we're trying to juggle that like all parents are. I'm forming my views about what the right to do with my wife.

Last month a Parentkid poll revealed that 58 per cent of parents believe the Government should introduce a ban on smartphones for under-16s. Another survey for More in Common put the figure at 64 per cent.

The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey has also called for smartphones to be made available for under-16s without social media apps.

In January, Tory MP and former teacher Miriam Cates asked the Prime Minister to take the measure forward, noting that the UK 'has a strong tradition of legislating to protect children from serious threats to their safety and welfare.'

A government spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on speculation. Our commitment to making the UK the safest place to be a child online is unwavering, as evidenced by our landmark Online Safety Act.'