A coalition of 60 Labour MPs have sent a joint letter to the Prime Minister, pressing him to back a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16, with a parliamentary vote in the the upper chamber this week.
Broad Appeal Grows
The MPs backing the letter, who include senior MPs, past shadow ministers and representatives 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 comparable prohibition in December.
While Starmer has indicated he is receptive to a ban, peers in the House of Lords are attempting to force the issue through an legislative addition to the key legislation. This amendment would mandate the enactment of a ban within 12 months of the bill becoming law.
“In all of our areas, we are told the same story: children are worried and distressed, and unable to focus on learning. They are not building the social skills needed to succeed.”
Worldwide Moves
The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Globally, governments are recognising the seriousness of this issue and taking action.” It highlights current or planned legislation in countries like Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece.
“We believe the onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block children from accessing their sites,” the MPs state. “We would favour a model akin to Australia’s that obligates companies to take concrete measures to enforce age limits.”
Implementation Concerns
This weight of parliamentary backing from MPs places further scrutiny on the Prime Minister. Although he has in the past shown reservations about the practicality of a ban, he recently stated to MPs he was theoretically open to the idea.
Nevertheless, over the past few days, government figures have highlighted apprehensions that a ban could unintentionally drive children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They have insisted on the need to assess further information from the rollout in Australia before enacting a UK version.
“Theoretically, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the risks and are concerned about what is happening to children and teenagers,” stated an associate. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with implementation. We need to move cautiously and make sure we get this right.”
Lords Showdown
The Prime Minister's position will face a practical test this week when lords vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the schools bill proposes enacting an minimum age within 12 months the bill's passage.
Although the Labour leadership has not announced its voting intention on the amendment, a number of Labour peers are expected to support it despite any party whip.
Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has supported Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The proposal for increasing the social media age limit enjoys significant public support – nationally and across the Labour party. Social media is catastrophically harming children and we must move swiftly to shield them.”
