UK ministers considering banning sale of smartphones to under-16s

Polls show significant support for curb to protect children but some Tories uneasy with idea of government microparenting'

Ministers are considering banning the sale of smartphones to children under the age of 16 after a number of polls have shown significant public support for such a curb.

The government issued guidance on the use of mobile phones in English schools two months ago, but other curbs are said to have been considered to better protect children after a number of campaigns.