MPs vote against social media ban for under-16s a second time

MPs have voted against a proposal to ban social media use for under-16s for the second time, rejecting an amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill by 256 votes to 150. The amendment, known as the Nash amendment, sought to impose a default ban on social media platforms for children under 16, giving ministers 12 months to determine which services should be restricted. Instead, the government is pursuing a broader consultation on online harms, which includes potential age restrictions and measures to address the addictive nature of social media. The government argues that its consultation approach allows for a more comprehensive review of various platforms and features, rather than a narrow legislative ban. Olivia Bailey, the early education minister, emphasized the importance of not pre-empting the consultation’s outcome, which closes next month. Despite the government’s position, opposition voices, including Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott, continue to push for a clear ban to be enshrined in law. The debate over social media regulation comes amid growing concerns from parents and campaign groups about the impact of online harms on children’s wellbeing. Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to meet with executives from major social media companies such as TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Meta to demand faster progress on internet safety measures. Starmer stressed the urgency of the issue, stating that parents expect swift action and that the government is prepared to take necessary steps to protect children online. Internet safety charities like the Molly Rose Foundation have weighed in, suggesting that a ban may not be the most effective solution. The ongoing discussions highlight the challenge of balancing child protection with the complexities of regulating digital platforms, as policymakers seek to develop a framework that addresses the risks without overly restricting access.