Peers are set to vote on Monday on a government amendment that could delay restrictions on children's social media access for up to three years, drawing sharp criticism from campaigners and senior Lords. The amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill would allow ministers to wait before introducing new controls, with critics warning it weakens earlier pledges to act within months.
Conservative peer Lord John Nash has tabled a rival amendment requiring the government to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16 within 12 months. Peers have backed Nash's proposal three times, most recently by 126 votes, but the government used its Commons majority to block it. With parliament expected to prorogue within a week, Monday's vote is seen as a last chance to force the issue.
Nash accused the government of deliberate deception, stating: "They say they want action in months, not years. But they table amendments which propose waiting three years." He warned that platforms would grow more powerful and more children would be harmed. Campaigners echoed his concerns, with Ellen Roome, mother of Jools Sweeney who died during a suspected 'blackout challenge', calling the amendment an insult to bereaved parents.
The government is expected to argue that more time is needed to consider evidence and enforcement challenges. However, critics fear the delay could result in only limited measures like parental controls rather than a comprehensive ban. The bill's fate hangs in the balance as the parliamentary session draws to a close.
