MPs reject social media ban for under-16s – however main change might nonetheless occur
The government is looking at whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay
MPs voted on a social media ban for under 16s(Image: PA)
MPs last night rejected an Australian-style social media for under 16s – but the landmark change could still go ahead under government plans.
The strict age limit proposal had been backed by peers earlier this year after growing calls from campaigners including actor Hugh Grant. But MPs voted 307 to 173 against the Lord’s amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on Monday evening.
Veteran Labour MP John McDonnell rebelled against the government while 107 backbenchers also abstained during the vote on Monday evening. But a ban could still be introduced by the Labour government under a consultation. It is looking at whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay.
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Last year Australia became the first country to introduce a social media ban for under 16s while Spain has also made similar proposals for age restrictions on the apps.. Ministers have said they are watching Australia closely and will follow where the evidence takes them.
Justice minister Sarah Sackman told Sky News today the WhatsApp groups she is in with other parents are full of discussions about a social media ban for under 16s.
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She said: “We know the impact social media has had on lots of us as adults and I think many parents are fearful of what it is doing to our children. So the playground chatter is all about what can we do to regulate the social media companies, what forms of restrictions would work for families, what could be enforced and policed by parents themselves.”
Asked whether she was in favour of a ban, the minister said the government was consulting, adding: “I think instinctively, I do favour a ban – major restrictions on social media for under-16s. I think it’s where most parents and families are.
Responding to last night’s vote, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “MPs had the opportunity to put the wellbeing of children before the profits of Big Tech and vote to raise the age of social media access to 16.
“This is why it’s so disappointing that the amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill hasn’t passed.”
He added: “The focus must therefore be on ensuring the consultation process is as robust as possible, with teachers, parents and carers all making their voices heard. If the Government is serious about protecting children, it will listen to the calls of teachers, bereaved parents, health professionals, charities and community groups.
“Only a ban for under-16s can provide the immediate safeguard needed to protect young people from dangerous, algorithmic platforms. All energy must now be on how to enforce it properly.”
Education Committee chairwoman Helen Hayes said she supports “robust measures to protect children from social media harms, including raising the age of digital consent and a ban on some social media apps for under-16s and I support a statutory ban on schools”.
“There are important differences of opinion between stakeholders on the best ways to regulate young people’s access to smartphones and social media. So I believe it is right for the Government to consult,” the Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood added.
