TL:DR- Hugh Grant and others urge MPs to ban social media for under-16s
- Hugh Grant and other celebrities signed a letter urging UK leaders to ban social media for kids under 16.
- The request centers on amendment 94a in the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.
- A survey revealed 93% of parents believe social media is harmful.
- Support for the amendment spans across party lines in the House of Lords.
- Government plans include a consultation on screen time guidelines and potential overnight curfews.
- Critics argue the government’s consultation is insufficient and distracts from urgent action.
Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey sign letter backing under-16s social media ban in UK | Social media
A coalition of public figures, including actor Hugh Grant, is calling for a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, as part of efforts to address concerns over the well-being of young people.
The appeal, directed at party leaders, is aimed at supporting amendment 94a of the children’s wellbeing and schools bill ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Lords.
93% of parents believe social media is harmful
The letter highlights growing parental anxiety regarding the detrimental effects of social media on children, with a poll by the charity Parentkind revealing that 93% of parents view these platforms as harmful. It asserts that amendment 94a holds unique cross-party support and could promptly implement necessary protections for children.
The proposed amendment seeks an outright ban on children using social media, which will be put to a vote in the House of Lords.
This debate will unfold in Westminster, with the House of Lords scheduled to discuss the amendment on Wednesday.
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Notable signatories include Hugh Grant, Sophie Winkleman, and Esther Ghey, who emphasise the urgent need for legislative action. Former schools minister Lord Nash is leading the amendment push, stating the necessity for immediate regulations to safeguard youth.
They face stiff competition from tech giants from the US who are lobbying Lords to ensure the ban does not go through. The US tech giants have a business model based on selling the data for advertising, not having access to that will impact there business significantly, and set a precedent for other European countries.
Reaction and Fallout
Reactions have been mixed. While some, like director Beeban Kidron, criticise government consultation as inadequate, the Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated support for a ban if the party regains power, but that does not mean it will happen.
Looking ahead, if amendment 94a passes, it will proceed to the Commons for further debate. The government plans to issue guidelines on screen time for children and is set to outline a more comprehensive consultation on the issue.