A group of 60 Labour MPs have sent a joint letter to the Prime Minister, pressing him to support a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16, with a crucial vote in the the upper chamber this week.
Widespread Appeal Grows
The lawmakers, including senior MPs, past shadow ministers and figures from across the party's spectrum, are aiming to apply pressure on the prime minister. This amid mounting pressure for the UK to follow the lead of Australia, which enacted a similar ban last December.
While Starmer has stated he is considering the policy, members of the House of Lords are attempting to force the issue via an proposed change to the key legislation. This amendment would require the introduction of a prohibition one year of the bill becoming law.
“In all of our areas, we are told the same story: children are worried and distressed, and finding it hard to focus on learning. They are not building the social skills needed to flourish.”
Worldwide Moves
The communication, spearheaded by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Around the world, governments are acknowledging the seriousness of this issue and acting.” It notes implemented or proposed legislation in countries like New Zealand, Greece, Denmark, France and Norway.
“We believe the burden must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block children from accessing their sites,” the MPs state. “We would favour a model similar to Australia’s that requires companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.”
Implementation Concerns
This show of strength in the Commons increases further focus on the Prime Minister. While he has previously expressed reservations about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently informed MPs he was open in principle to the concept.
However, in recent days, government figures have highlighted apprehensions that a ban could push children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They maintain on the need to assess further information from the Australian policy before committing to a UK version.
“Theoretically, Keir is in favour of a ban. We can all see the harms and are anxious about what is happening to children and teenagers,” stated an associate. “But there are still big obstacles to overcome with putting it into practice. We need to proceed carefully and make sure we get this right.”
Upcoming Vote
The Prime Minister's approach will face a key test this week when peers vote on the amendment by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the children's wellbeing bill proposes setting an minimum age within a year the bill's passage.
While the Labour leadership has not stated its official position on the amendment, a number of Labour peers are likely to support it irrespective of any party whip.
Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has backed Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The plan for increasing the social media age limit commands huge support – nationally and inside the Labour party. Social media is profoundly hurting children and we must move swiftly to protect them.”
