LONDON: The British upper chamber of parliament voted on Wednesday to prohibit under-16s from using social media, putting pressure on the government to follow Australia’s lead. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday that his government wanted to wait for the outcomes of a survey that is anticipated this summer before passing legislation, but he was not ruling out any alternatives and promised to take action to protect children.
Both the opposition and the ruling Labour party have called on the UK to follow Australia, which has prohibited under-16s from using social media since December 10. In the House of Lords, the amendment, which was co-sponsored by a Labour and a Liberal Democrat colleague, was approved by opposition Conservative legislator John Nash with a vote of 261 to 150.
Peers prioritize our kids’ futures tonight,” Nash remarked. “This vote starts the process of putting an end to the terrible damage that social media is causing to a generation.” The amendment now proceeds to the lower House of Commons, which is controlled by Labour, after Downing Street declared prior to the vote that the government would not accept it. Starmer has been urged to support a ban by more than 60 Labour MPs.
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