But it could still happen
Members of Parliament have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media in the UK.
While a ban could still be coming down the track, this is will not happen before the government finishes a consultation, as backers of a ban have accused ministers of “dither and delay”.
The Conservatives had pushed for the move and it had been backed by the House of Lords, but was defeated in the Commons on Monday night by 307 votes to 173.
Australia became the first country in the world to enforce a ban back in December, and other nations, including in Europe, have been flirting with the idea since then, as calls for a ban in the UK have also gained traction.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused of “dither and delay” by announcing the UK government will consult on a possible ban, without committing to one, as Liberal Democrats said his stance was “not good enough” and “families need concrete assurances now”.
On the amendment to the education bill there was abstention by some 107 Labour MPs, including Sadik Al-Hassan, who told the Commons parents were “locked in a daily battle that they simply cannot win alone, fighting platforms that have been specifically designed to keep children hooked”.
However, education minister Olivia Bailey cited concerns from children’s charities that an outright ban on under-16s using social media could drive them towards “less regulated corners of the internet”, or leave them “unprepared” for how to navigate the online world.
The government’s consultation would “seek views to help shape our next steps” which could ultimately still include banning children from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she added.
On Monday, one measure MPs did back was to grant additional powers to the technology secretary, Liz Kendall, to potentially introduce such a ban in future.
Now, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will return to the House of Lords to be further considered by peers.
The Conservative who proposed the amendment, Lord Nash, has vowed to try to have it passed again, adding that there’s “huge demand across the country to raise the age limit and protect children”.
If both Houses agree the final draft, the bill will then become law.
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