UK MPs reject Aussie-style kids’ social media ban
A social media ban on people under 16 has been rejected by British MPs.
The age limit was backed by colleagues earlier this year following growing calls from campaigners, including actor Hugh Grant.
Supporters of the Australian-style ban said parents were in an “impossible position” because of the online harm their children were exposed to.
Others, including the National Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, warned that the ban could drive young people to unregulated corners of the internet.
MPs voted 307 to 173 on Monday, with a majority of 134, against the proposed amendment to the Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill put forward by Conservative former minister John Nash.
But a future ban could also come after the House of Commons backed the government’s proposal to give the foreign secretary additional powers.
Instead, under the amendment, Science Secretary Liz Kendall could “restrict or ban children of certain ages from accessing social media services and chatbots”.
Education Secretary Olivia Bailey told MPs she could also limit children’s use of VPNs, restrict access to addictive features and change the age of digital consent in the UK.
“Many parents and campaign groups have called for a complete ban on social media for under-16s,” Bailey said.
“Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could direct children to less regulated corners of the internet or leave young people unprepared when they go online.
“That’s why last week the government launched a consultation to seek views that will help shape our next steps and ensure children grow up with a safer, healthier and more enriching relationship with the online world.”
The consultation will look at whether social media platforms should have a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should turn off addictive features such as autoplay.
Meanwhile, 107 government MPs, including Sadik Al-Hassan, did not participate in the voting.
“Parents like me are locked in a daily battle they can’t win alone, and they’re fighting platforms specifically designed to keep kids addicted,” she said.
“If a drug causes that much measurable harm at a 78 percent rate, it would be withdrawn, reformulated, or placed behind the counter with tight controls on who can access it.
“We have an identifiable source, we have overwhelming evidence of harm, and we have the power to take action.”
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