Should children have overnight curfews on their social media? EV charger installation grants, and a clearer pricing campaign
Today we’re talking about a major consultation set to explore the protection of children’s digital wellbeing, grants for the installation of EV chargers, and a Clearer Pricing campaign launches to protect consumers.
Consultation on Major Measures to Protect Children’s Digital Well-being
A major consultation has been launched that explores what measures are needed to keep children safe on the internet. It examines if social media should be banned for children, or whether there should be restrictions on AI chatbot features and overnight curfews.
The government also plans to run pilots with families and teenagers to explore how social media restrictions could work in practice.
The consultation considers a number of changes, including:
- Whether a minimum age should be applied to social media, and if so, what age?
- Whether addictive features, such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, should be switched off by the developers.
- Whether mandatory overnight curfews would help children to sleep better, and if so, what age should they be.
- Whether children should be able to use AI chatbots without restriction.
- How would the enforcement of age verification be strengthened?
- How children and parents can be helped to navigate the digital world successfully.
The consultation is open to industry as well as parents, young people and others who work with children. It concludes on 26 May 2026.
New legislative powers could change how apps, games and other online services are developed and online businesses will want to stay informed to see how the proposals could affect their services.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation
Boost in Grants for Installing EV Chargers
The government has announced an over 40% increase in charge point grant amounts that will mean businesses, landlords and renters could save up to £500 on installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Previously, the grant provided a discount of £350.
The uplift could cover almost half the typical installation costs and make it easier for EV users to access cheaper electricity rates at home or work to charge their EV. Schools will also be eligible for grants of up to £2,000 per socket.
Updates to the scheme will also simplify the current EV charge point support schemes available by reducing eight grant types down to five, which should make the system easier to navigate.
The electric car grant, which provides a discount on buying an EV, continues to be available. This can offer savings of up to £3,750.
Support is also available through local authorities for residents who do not have driveways to be able to install discreet, embedded pavement channels, meaning those with on street parking can install an EV charge point. This is in addition to the £500 installation grant.
EVs continue to receive preferential tax treatment, and this can also be worth exploring if you are considering buying a new vehicle.
How Clear Are Your Prices?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a Clearing Pricing campaign aiming to encourage businesses to be upfront, transparent and fair in their pricing.
Teaming up with TV and radio presenter Alexander Armstrong, the campaign highlights a ‘Three Step Pricing Check’ businesses can use to make sure their pricing is on the right side of the law.
The three steps are:
- Show the total price up front.
- Include all mandatory charges.
- If you can’t give a total yet, is it clear how customers can work it out?
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), it is now illegal to introduce additional mandatory fees, such as a booking or delivery fee, taxes or other charges late in the purchase process.
The Act also gives the CMA the powers to fine businesses that break consumer law up to £300,000 or, if higher, up to 10% of their global turnover.
For businesses that are not clear about the new laws, guidance is available from the CMA that explains how to present prices clearly. The guidance provides examples of what should and shouldn’t be done when it comes to delivery charges, administration and booking costs, and periodic payments and could be a useful resource.
Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair Launches in Blackpool
The government’s push to tackle long-term youth unemployment took a step forward last week, with more than 3,000 young people and residents attending the first-ever Youth Guarantee Jobs and Careers Fair in Blackpool.
Held at the Winter Gardens, the event brought together 94 employers offering everything from apprenticeships and traineeships to live vacancies. Businesses included both local and national employers. There are plans to hold further events in the future.
The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure that everyone under 25 is offered one of four pathways:
- Employment
- Continued education
- An apprenticeship
- A traineeship, work experience placement or Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
A new review led by Alan Milburn is examining the barriers stopping young people from accessing work.
For businesses, this expanded support for young people may help ease the challenges in recruitment and skills shortages. Apprenticeships can be a cost-effective way to build a pipeline of future employees.