Peers are preparing for a new confrontation over the prohibition of social media for individuals under 16, with a grieving mother urging the Government to take immediate action.
Conservative peer Lord Nash is leading a renewed effort to pressure ministers into committing to a ban similar to Australia’s within a year, following the rejection of the proposal by MPs recently. Despite the government introducing an amendment pledging action within three years as a safeguard against future derailment, Lord Nash is calling on peers to dismiss it in favor of his own amendment. This dispute risks delaying the enactment of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill before Parliament adjourns this week.
The government has not backed the amendments due to ongoing consultations on various online safety measures, including a potential social media ban, restrictions on addictive app features, and nighttime curfews. Opposition leader Keir Starmer expressed openness to a ban while emphasizing the necessity of addressing the unregulated nature of social media platforms.
In his plea to fellow lawmakers, Lord Nash, a former schools minister, emphasized the importance of raising the age limit to 16 in the Bill, vowing relentless pursuit of this commitment.
Ellen Roome, whose son Jools, 14, tragically passed away due to a social media challenge, questioned the government’s delay in taking action, highlighting the urgency of protecting children from the negative impacts of social media.
Several European countries, including Australia, Spain, and Greece, have already implemented or planned restrictions for under-16s on social media. Despite strong parental support for such measures, not all bereaved parents and online safety advocates agree. Some, like Ian Russell, who lost his daughter Molly to online harm, advocate for stricter enforcement of existing laws.
The government assured its commitment to promoting a healthy relationship between children and social media, emphasizing ongoing consultations to determine the most effective strategies based on current evidence. The recent legal powers acquired through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill are intended to facilitate swift action following the consultation process.