UK MPs have voted against following Australia in the implementation of a social media ban for people under 16.
Australia’s social media ban, which came into effect in December last year, bans users under 16 from accessing social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and more, as well as pornographic sites like PornHub and using video platforms like YouTube without an account. Ages are verified upon visiting the sites to ensure those under 16 are unable to access them.
While the Australian government has shown unwavering support for its social media ban, MPs in the UK have voted against introducing similar legislation and instead have pushed for flexible ministerial powers, after it was brought forward by Conservative former minister John Nash.
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Critics of a ban, such as the UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), have warned that banning certain platforms for under-16-year-olds will just push them to places the ban doesn’t reach, which could be less regulated and potentially result in children being exposed to more troubling content.
Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey urged MPs to reject the proposed social media ban, which came in the form of amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Instead, Bailey said that MPs should push for a more flexible regulatory framework.
“Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s,” Bailey said.
“Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less-regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online.
“That is why, last week, the government launched a consultation to seek views to help shape our next steps and ensure children can grow up with a safer, healthier and more enriching relationship with the online world.”
In the end, MPs voted in a 134 majority against the amendments to the bill (307 to 173).
Despite this, the UK could still introduce a ban in the future, following the Commons’ support for giving the secretary of state additional powers.
The amendment in lieu could allow Science Secretary Liz Kendall to “restrict or ban children of certain ages from accessing social media services and chat bots”, as well as limit access to addictive platforms and features, change the age of digital consent and restrict the use of VPNs.
A total of 107 MPs abstained from voting on the matter, unable to toss up if the benefits of a ban would outweigh the drawbacks.
“Parents like me are locked in a daily battle that they simply cannot win alone, fighting platforms that have been specifically designed to keep children hooked,” said MP Sadik Al-Hassan.
“If a drug were causing such measurable harm for 78 per cent, it would be withdrawn, reformulated or placed behind a counter with strict controls on who could access it.
“We have an identifiable source, we have overwhelming evidence of harm, and we have the power to act.”
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Daniel Croft
Born in the heart of Western Sydney, Daniel Croft is a passionate journalist with an understanding for and experience writing in the technology space. Having studied at Macquarie University, he joined Momentum Media in 2022, writing across a number of publications including Australian Aviation, Cyber Security Connect and Defence Connect. Outside of writing, Daniel has a keen interest in music, and spends his time playing in bands around Sydney.