Actor Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, are among signatories of a letter urging UK party leaders to ban social media for children under 16. The letter, addressed to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Ed Davey, calls for support of amendment 94a to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill ahead of a Lords vote on Wednesday.
The amendment, brought by Lord Nash, would introduce an outright ban on social media for under-16s. The letter cites national polling by Parentkind showing 93% of parents believe social media is harmful to children. It argues that no other amendment has the same cross-party support or would deliver change as promptly.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government’s consultation on the issue would take a few months, with a firm position by summer. Proposals include overnight curfews and breaks to prevent 'doomscrolling', as well as evidence-based guidance for parents on screen time.
Lord Nash said he would press ahead with his amendment, warning of a 'societal catastrophe' without swift action. Film director Beeban Kidron criticised the government’s consultation as an 'insult to parliament' and accused it of prioritising party over country.
