Peers have supported suggestions to prohibit social media access for individuals under 16 in a last-minute effort before the Parliament closes pre King’s Speech in the upcoming month.
Despite the rejection of an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill three times by MPs, peers voted 316 to 165 – a majority of 151 – for the proposal as the standoff persists. Former Conservative schools minister Lord Nash, a proponent of the age restriction, emphasized that peers had a “final opportunity” to endorse it.
When the amendment returns to the Commons in a process known as parliamentary ping-pong, MPs will have the chance to vote on it again.
However, the amendment is likely to be turned down for the fourth time, with Keir Starmer contemplating various online safety measures, including a potential ban similar to Australia’s for under 16s.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey has indicated that a planned consultation is the way forward before any action to address social media-related harms is put into effect. The consultation, anticipated to conclude in the summer, will determine whether a complete prohibition on social media for those under 16 is the most suitable approach.
The recent vote will increase pressure on Mr. Starmer to act more promptly on the matter following Australia’s enforcement of the ban in December.
In a separate development, Esther Ghey, the mother of Brianna Ghey, a murdered teenager, expressed disappointment in a letter to the Prime Minister, highlighting that she and other bereaved families had not met with social media executives before. Ms. Ghey conveyed her dismay on BBC Breakfast, stating her hope to have shared their stories and those of their children first.
Ms. Ghey and fellow campaigners, including Ellen Roome, who believes her son Jools passed away attempting an online challenge, penned an open letter to the Prime Minister. They expressed disappointment in learning that the government had consulted with social media companies before engaging with affected families, emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from those impacted by online platforms.
