A group of 60 Labour MPs have written directly to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to support a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16, with a key vote in the the Lords this week.
Broad Support Emerges
The lawmakers, comprising senior MPs, ex-ministers and representatives from the entire Labour spectrum, are looking to increase the pressure on the administration. This follows increasing demands for the UK to emulate the approach of the Australian government, which introduced a comparable prohibition recently.
While Starmer has indicated he is considering the policy, peers in the House of Lords are attempting to force the issue through an legislative addition to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would mandate the introduction of a ban within a year of the legislation passing.
“In all of our areas, we encounter the same concerns: children are stressed and sad, and finding it hard to focus on learning. They are lacking the interpersonal skills needed to succeed.”
Worldwide Moves
The missive, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Internationally, governments are accepting the severity of this crisis and taking action.” It highlights implemented or proposed legislation in nations like New Zealand, Greece, Denmark, France and Norway.
“We believe the burden must be shifted to technology platforms, not parents, to stop underage access,” the MPs write. “We would back a system like Australia’s that compels companies to take concrete measures to enforce age limits.”
Practical Hurdles
This demonstration of support from MPs increases further focus on the Prime Minister. While he has earlier voiced scepticism about the practicality of a ban, he recently stated to MPs he was open in principle to the concept.
Yet, in recent days, officials have highlighted concerns that a ban could push children toward the dark web. They have insisted on the need to assess further information from the Australian experiment before committing to a UK version.
“In principle, Keir is in favour of a ban. We can all see the risks and worry about what is happening to children and teenagers,” commented an insider. “But there are still big obstacles to overcome with implementation. We need to take our time and make sure we implement it correctly.”
Lords Showdown
The Prime Minister's stance will face a practical test this week when members of the upper house vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the children's wellbeing bill proposes setting an minimum age within a year the law is passed.
Although the Labour leadership has not announced its official position on the amendment, a number of Labour peers are expected to support it regardless of any party whip.
Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has co-signed Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The idea for increasing the social media age limit commands significant public support – nationally and across the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must act now to shield them.”
