🔗 Share this article

A group of 60 Labour MPs have penned a letter to the Prime Minister, calling on him to support a potential ban on social media access for those under 16, prior to a key vote in the the Lords this week.

Broad Support Emerges

The signatories, comprising committee heads, past shadow ministers and figures from the entire Labour spectrum, are aiming to increase the pressure on the prime minister. This follows mounting pressure for the UK to adopt a similar policy of Australia, which enacted a similar ban recently.

While Starmer has stated he is open to the idea, members of the House of Lords are seeking to force the issue via an proposed change to the current schools bill. This amendment would force the introduction of a prohibition one year of the legislation passing.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we hear the same message: children are anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning. They are failing to develop the social skills needed to flourish.”

Worldwide Moves

The missive, spearheaded by Labour MP Fred Thomas, adds that “Internationally, governments are recognising the severity of this issue and acting.” It points to existing or pending legislation in nations like Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece.

“We believe the onus must be shifted to technology platforms, not parents, to prevent access by minors,” the MPs state. “We would favour a system like Australia’s that compels companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.”

Practical Hurdles

This weight of parliamentary backing within the lower house places further focus on the Prime Minister. Although he has in the past shown reservations about the workability of a ban, he recently stated to MPs he was receptive in theory to the concept.

However, recently, government figures have highlighted worries that a ban could force children toward less-regulated online spaces. They maintain on the need to gather more data from the Australian experiment before enacting a UK version.

“In principle, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the harms and are anxious about what is happening to the mental health of the young,” said a source close to Starmer. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with implementation. We need to take our time and make sure we get this right.”

Lords Showdown

The Prime Minister's position will face a key test this week when peers vote on the amendment by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the legislation proposes setting an minimum age within 12 months the act is approved.

Although the Labour leadership has not announced its voting intention on the amendment, several Labour peers are likely to support it despite any party whip.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has supported Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The idea for increasing the social media age limit has significant public support – throughout the UK and inside the Labour party. Social media is catastrophically harming children and we must move swiftly to shield them.”