The House of Lords has supported a ban on under-16s using social media. Peers have approved an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently progressing through parliament.
The amendment stipulates that within 12 months of the act being passed, social media platforms must implement «highly effective» age verification checks to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their services. With the Lords backing the ban, the government now has the opportunity to challenge it in the Commons, although this task is becoming increasingly difficult.
Initially, the prime minister was against an outright ban, but pressure from opposition parties and his own party members has led to a shift in the government’s stance. A Labour MP informed Sky’s political reporter Faye Brown that it would be impossible for the government to enforce the ban within the Parliamentary Labour Party, potentially sparking a rebellion similar to the one seen in the welfare sector.
Recently, the government disclosed that they are considering a ban for under-16s, drawing inspiration from Australia’s existing restrictions. Following Wednesday night’s vote, it appears that waiting for the outcome of the three-month consultation may no longer be an option.
Various peers and parents expressed concerns about the risks and negative impacts associated with children using social media. Some shared strategies on how they monitor their children’s usage, while others referenced studies highlighting the health implications.
The government is gearing up to take action, with significant attention now focused on the Lords following advocacy efforts from bereaved parents, public figures, and charitable organizations. The bill will return to the Commons for MPs to assess whether they support the amendment, representing a test of the prime minister’s ability to manage parliamentary affairs amidst perceptions of weakness following prior rebellions.
It appears highly likely that some form of ban will be implemented in the near future. A government representative emphasized the importance of establishing a healthier relationship between children and mobile phones and social media. They underscored the significance of conducting a thorough consultation and collaborating with experts, parents, and young people to devise an evidence-based approach.
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