Social Media Ban for Teenagers

 British House of Lords.. Amendment Passes by 261 Votes to 150

The British House of Lords voted in favor of an amendment banning the use of social media by those under the age of 16, increasing pressure on the government to enact the ban.

The amendment, tabled by Conservative and opposition MP John Nash, passed with 261 votes in favor and 150 against in the House of Lords, with support from members of the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats, according to AFP.

Nash said: "Tonight, our colleagues in the House of Lords have put the future of our children first. This vote is the beginning of the process of stopping the catastrophic damage that social media is inflicting on an entire generation."

Working to Protect Children

Before the vote, Downing Street announced that the government would not accept the amendment, which will now go to the House of Commons, where the Labour Party holds a majority. 

This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he was not ruling out any option, pledging to work to protect children. However, his government indicated its desire to await the results of consultations scheduled for this summer before enacting legislation.

Calls have intensified within the opposition and the ruling Labour Party for the British government to follow Australia's lead, which, since December 10, has banned those under 16 from using social media applications.

Organizations Warn

More than 60 Labour MPs have urged Starmer to support the ban. Public figures, including actor Hugh Grant, have also urged the government to back the proposal, asserting that parents alone cannot counter the harm caused by social media.

 Meanwhile, some child protection organizations warn that the ban could create a false sense of security. A YouGov poll conducted in December showed that 74% of Britons support the ban.