Social media ban for under-16s rejected after Commons vote
MPs have rejected a proposed social media ban on under-16s, despite support from campaigners including actor Hugh Grant.
The age limit, modeled on an Australian-style ban, has been backed by those who argue parents face an “impossible situation” regarding online harm affecting their children.
But critics such as the NSPCC have warned that such a ban could drive young people into unregulated corners of the internet.
An amendment to the Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill, introduced by Conservative former minister Lord Nash, was rejected by 307 votes to 173, a majority of 134.
But a future ban could also come after the House of Commons backed the Government’s proposal to give the Secretary of State 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.
As MPs considered changes proposed by the upper house, Ms Bailey said: “Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s.
“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.
Hayes and John McDonnell, the Labor MP for Harlington, rebelled against the Government by voting for the Lord’s amendment on Monday.
Meanwhile, 107 Labor MPs abstained, including Sadiq Al-Hassan from North Somerset.
Mr Al-Hassan had previously said: “Parents like me are locked in a daily battle that they cannot win alone, fighting platforms specifically designed to keep children addicted.
“As a pharmacist, I know that if a drug causes that much measurable harm at a 78 percent rate, it will be withdrawn, reformulated or placed behind a counter with tight controls on who can access it.
“We would take action because the evidence required it. The same logic should apply here.”
“We have an identifiable source, we have overwhelming evidence of harm, and we have the power to take action.”
