Actor Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was murdered in 2023, have backed a call for a social media ban for under-16s. In a letter to party leaders, they argue parents are in an “impossible position” and need leadership from Westminster.
The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, tabled by former schools minister Lord Nash, will be debated in the House of Lords on Wednesday. Lord Nash warned that without swift action to raise the age limit to 16, the UK risks a “societal catastrophe”.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation on a ban, examining advantages and disadvantages, possible overnight curfews, and measures to prevent “doom-scrolling”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the issue is of “real concern to parents” and that the consultation will look at expert and international evidence.
Lord Nash criticised the consultation as delay, insisting the evidence for a ban is “overwhelming” and supported by medical professionals, police, teachers, and hundreds of thousands of parents. The letter, also signed by singer Peter Andre and actor Sophie Winkleman, cites polling showing 93% of parents believe social media is harmful to children.
However, some campaigners, including the Molly Rose Foundation and NSPCC, warn that a blanket ban is a “blunt response” that fails to address tech companies’ responsibility to ensure platform safety.
