More than 60 Labour MPs have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to support a ban on social media for under-16s, as peers prepare to vote on the issue this week. The letter, organised by Fred Thomas MP, includes signatories from across the party spectrum, including select committee chairs and former frontbenchers.
The MPs argue that children are “anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning” and call for the UK to follow Australia’s example, which enacted a ban in December. They state: “We believe the onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to prevent underage access.”
Starmer has indicated he is open to a ban in principle but wants to assess evidence from Australia first. Government sources have raised concerns that a ban could push children to less regulated parts of the internet, a point echoed by Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who opposed “sledgehammer-like techniques”.
Peers will vote this week on an amendment to the children, wellbeing and schools bill, proposed by Conservative Lord Nash, which would enact an age limit within 12 months of the bill’s passage. Labour has not yet confirmed its position, but several peers are expected to support the amendment regardless of whips’ instructions.
