A coalition of 60 members of the Labour Party have penned a letter to Keir Starmer, pressing him to champion a potential ban on social media access for those under 16, prior to a parliamentary vote in the the Lords this week.
Widespread Pressure Mounts
The signatories, who include committee heads, former frontbenchers and members from across the party's spectrum, are aiming to increase the pressure on the government. This follows increasing demands for the UK to adopt a similar policy of Australia, which implemented a comparable prohibition in December.
While Starmer has indicated he is receptive to a ban, members of the House of Lords are looking to force the issue by means of an legislative addition to the key legislation. This amendment would force the implementation of a age restriction one year of the legislation passing.
“Throughout the communities we represent, we hear the same message: children are worried and distressed, and struggling to concentrate on learning. They are failing to develop the social skills needed to flourish.”
Global Precedent
The communication, which was organised by Labour MP Fred Thomas, adds that “Globally, governments are accepting the scale of this issue and implementing measures.” It highlights implemented or proposed legislation in nations like France, Norway, New Zealand, Greece and Denmark.
“We believe the responsibility must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to stop access by minors,” the MPs argue. “We would favour a model like Australia’s that compels companies to take significant action to apply age limits.”
Policy Challenges
This show of strength within the lower house adds further focus on the Prime Minister. Although he has earlier voiced doubts about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently told MPs he was open in principle to the idea.
However, recently, officials have stressed apprehensions that a ban could push children toward less-regulated online spaces. They have insisted on the need to gather more data from the Australian experiment before deciding on a UK version.
“In principle, Keir is in favour of a ban. We can all see the risks and are anxious about what is happening to children and teenagers,” commented an insider. “But there are still big obstacles to overcome with execution. We need to move cautiously and make sure we implement it correctly.”
Parliamentary Test
The Prime Minister's position will face a practical test this week when peers vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the schools bill proposes enacting an age limit one year after the law is passed.
While the Labour leadership has not stated its voting intention on the amendment, several Labour peers are expected to support it regardless of any guidance from party managers.
Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has supported Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The plan for increasing the social media age limit commands widespread backing – across the country and inside the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must act now to safeguard them.”
