A ban on mobile phone use in schools is also being introduced with Ofsted checking mobile phone use on every inspection.

Technology secretary Liz Kendall said: ‘Through the Online Safety Act, this Government has already taken clear, concrete steps to deliver a safer online world for our children and young people. 

‘These laws were never meant to be the end point, and we know parents still have serious concerns. That is why I am prepared to take further action.'

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: ‘We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools but now we're going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts.'

The Government is to provide evidence-based screen time guidance for parents of children aged 5 to 16 in addition to guidance for parents of under-fives that will be published in April. 

Other options being considered include raising the digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews to avoid excessive use and restricting potentially addictive design features such as ‘streaks' and ‘infinite scrolling'.  

The Government will respond to the consultation in the summer.