A group of 60 members of the Labour Party have penned a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling on him to back a proposed ban on social media access for children under 16, with a crucial vote in the House of Lords this week.
Cross-Party Appeal Grows
The lawmakers, comprising senior MPs, former frontbenchers and representatives from across the party's spectrum, are looking to apply pressure on the prime minister. This follows mounting pressure for the UK to emulate the approach of the Australian government, which enacted a similar ban in December.
Although Starmer has stated he is receptive to a ban, peers in the House of Lords are seeking to accelerate the process via an proposed change to the current schools bill. This amendment would force the introduction of a ban within 12 months of the act receiving royal assent.
“In all of our areas, we encounter the same concerns: children are worried and distressed, and struggling to concentrate on learning. They are failing to develop the interpersonal skills needed to flourish.”
Worldwide Moves
The communication, which was organised by Labour MP Fred Thomas, further argues that “Internationally, governments are accepting the severity of this crisis and taking action.” It points to current or planned legislation in nations like Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece.
“We believe the responsibility must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to stop access by minors,” the MPs argue. “We would back a system akin to Australia’s that requires companies to take significant action to uphold age limits.”
Practical Hurdles
This show of strength from MPs adds further pressure on the Prime Minister. Although he has previously expressed reservations about the practicality of a ban, he recently told MPs he was theoretically open to the proposal.
However, recently, administration sources have emphasised apprehensions that a ban could unintentionally drive children toward the dark web. They maintain on the need to see more evidence from the rollout in Australia before deciding on a UK version.
“On paper, Keir is supportive 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 major challenges to overcome with putting it into practice. We need to take our time and make sure we do this properly.”
Lords Showdown
The Prime Minister's stance will face a direct test this week when peers vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the legislation proposes introducing an age limit one year after the act is approved.
While the Labour leadership has not stated its official position on the amendment, several Labour peers are anticipated 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 proposal 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 take immediate action to shield them.”
