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MPs Quash Amendment to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
A ban may still be on the horizon, with the tech secretary receiving new powers to implement on in the future.
While a ban may be soon on the horizon, efforts for early implementation have been squashed as MPs voted down an amendment that would have banned social media for under-16s.
The Conservative-backed amendment was aiming to be added into the government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, but was struck down in the House of Commons by 307 to 173 votes.
The failed amendment comes as debate surrounding an under 16s ban on social media heats up. The UK government released a consultation on the matter, which seeks to gain public opinion on a ban rollout.
Australia, however, has already implemented its ban, and took it even further this week, banning under 16s from accessing explicit video games or adult websites.
The Labour government has been accused of “dither and delay” in the matter as it has neglected to commit to any formal ban or legislation as the consultation is out.
Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and the LibDems, are pressuring the government to act now, rather than wait for the consultation, when it comes to an under 16s ban.
Debates surrounding the amendment included concerns from parents who need guidance and help in ensuring their children stay safe on the internet, and counters from children’s charities that overregulation could push young people to darker corners of the internet.
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Education Minister Olivia Bailey said that the consultation would aid the current Labour government in taking its next steps.
While the amendment was squashed, MPs did vote in new powers to the technology secretary to allow for the implementation of a ban in the future.
The ban could see children’s use of VPNs banned, as well as restrictions on addictive app designs.
The education bill returns to the House of Lords after the amendment failed to pass for further debate.
