Government to Impose Social Media Restrictions on Under-16s
The government will "impose some form of age or functionality restrictions" on social media platforms for users under 16, Education Minister Olivia Bailey announced.
On Monday evening, ministers proposed further amendments in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute with peers regarding the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Earlier that day, the House of Lords voted in favor of a social media ban for under-16s for the fourth time.
Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the government's latest proposals in the House of Commons as a "huge step forward in keeping children safe." MPs supported the government's motion by 272 votes to 64. The bill now returns to the House of Lords for what appears to be the final stage before receiving royal assent and becoming law.
Minister Details Government's Commitment
Bailey did not specify the exact measures ministers would implement but emphasized the government's legal commitment to act following the conclusion of a consultation on whether the UK should introduce an Australia-style social media ban.
"Let us be clear: the status quo cannot continue. We are consulting on the mechanism and that is the right thing to do.
But we are clear that under any outcome we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16.
I can also confirm that consideration of restrictions such as curfews will be in addition not instead of this."
She further stated that the government is focusing on "addictive features, harmful algorithmically-driven content and features."
The minister added that a "progress report" must be submitted three months after the legislation receives royal assent, reflecting the government's intention to promptly respond following the consultation.
"Following this we will have 12 months to lay regulations, but our firm intention is to move faster and the [Technology Secretary Liz Kendall] has been clear that we aim to do this before the end of the year."
Bailey also noted that in "exceptional circumstances," the government may extend the timeline by an additional six months but would be required to explain the reasons to Parliament.
Responses from Political Figures
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the government's commitment, stating:
"We now have a commitment on the floor of the House from the government that they will impose an age restriction for children under-16.
And this is in addition to, not instead of, any curfews.
This is a huge step forward in keeping children safe and supporting parents in their fight against screens destroying children's lives."
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson acknowledged some progress but questioned the timeline for implementation, which could take up to 21 months.
"Countries around the world are taking action right now. This government has shown when it wants to move quickly on an issue it has the means to do so.
Children's wellbeing and safety online, which is being compromised every single hour of every single day is a pretty damn good reason to move quickly and bring forward amendments acceptable to both Houses of Parliament, and most importantly to the people of this country."
Support from Former Minister and Campaigners
Conservative former schools minister Lord Nash, who led calls for a social media ban in the House of Lords, expressed gratitude to the government for committing to action.
"We will now all turn our attention - together- to making sure this is implemented as soon as possible in the best way to protect our children."
Lord Nash also thanked bereaved parents who supported the campaign.
"They didn't have to do this. They did it so that no other family would have to live through what they have lived through, and they have ensured that as a result every child in the country will be safer because of their work. I thank them for it."
