𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A ban on social media for children under 16 moved a step closer last night, as Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs were urged to join forces with Conservatives and change the law. The House of Lords has amended the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to include a ban, after the measure was backed by peers from all three parties including former children;s television presenter Floella Benjamin.

Legislation will now be debated in the House of Commons, where MPs will have a chance to delete the amendment. But Tory Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: “If Labour are serious about protecting children, they can prove it by voting for this. The legislation is there and the moment is now.” Those backing a ban include actor Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey, whose 16-year-old daughter Brianna was murdered by two teenagers in 2023.

The Lords amendment would require social media firms to introduce “highly- effective age assurance measures to prevent children under the age of 16 from becoming or being users”. It was backed by Conservatives while other supporters included Labour former MP Luciana Berger, now in the Lords, and former Playschool presenter Floella Benjamin, a Liberal Democrat peer.

Lady Benjamin said: “I strongly believe that children under the age of 16 should not be able to access social media and have social media accounts. This is a necessary measure until the online platforms accept their responsibility, implement stringent safety controls and perform their duties to our children.

“We have given them the opportunities to do so; now is the time for us to act decisively. Each minute we wait, more damage is done to our children’s well-being.”

The Government has announced it will hold a consultation which could potentially recommend a ban, but Lady Benjamin said action was needed now.

“There is no need for a consultation, which will cause even further delay. We have all the evidence we need; we have to stop this catastrophe now.”

Conservative peer Lord Nash said social media was causing “a health emergency”. He said: “Since 2016, there has been a 477% increase in children’s contact with mental health services, and eating disorders among 17 to 19 year-olds have risen sixteen-fold. There has been a seven-fold rise in young girls admitted to hospital with eating disorders, and the evidence is clear that there is a strong link between the substantial increase in rates of ADHD, suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm among teenagers with overexposure to social media.”

A Government spokesperson said: “We will take action to give children a healthier relationship with mobile phones and social media.

“It is important we get this right, which is why we have launched a consultation and will work with experts, parents and young people to ensure we take the best approach, based on evidence.”