More than 60 Labour MPs urge Starmer to back under-16s social media ban

More⁣ than 60⁣ Labor‍ MPs are pressing Keir Starmer to support a ban on social media for children under 16,as the House of⁤ Lords ⁣prepares to vote on the issue this week. The‍ MPs hope to influence the prime‌ minister as‍ the UK considers following Australia’s lead.

Starmer has indicated openness to a ban, but peers are ⁢attempting to force the issue with an amendment to the children, ⁤wellbeing and schools bill. Passage of the amendment would enact a ban within a⁤ year.

The vote could create conflict between ‌Labour peers and the prime minister, who prefers to evaluate the results ‌of Australia’s ban, which took effect in December. Millions of accounts were blocked in Australia upon implementation.

In a letter organized by Fred ‍Thomas, the Labour MP for ⁣Plymouth Moor View, the MPs detailed concerns heard from constituents:

“Across our constituencies, we hear the same message: children ​are anxious, unhappy, and⁤ unable to focus ⁤on learning.‍ They are not building the social skills needed⁢ to thrive,​ nor having ⁣the experiences that will prepare them for adulthood.”

the letter highlights legislative efforts in several countries – including Australia, Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece ‌- and argues for a shift in responsibility:

• The onus should be on technology platforms, not parents, to prevent underage access.
• The MPs⁤ support a⁢ model similar to Australia’s, requiring companies to actively enforce age limits.

“We urge the government to show leadership on this issue by introducing a minimum age for social⁤ media access ⁣of 16 years old,” the letter concludes.

Signatories include‍ Helen Hayes, chair of‌ the education select ⁤committee, and Florence ⁣Eshalomi, chair of the housing and local government committee, representing a broad range of views within ‍the Labour party.