A proposed ban on social media for under-16s has been rejected by MPs.<\/p>\n
Parliamentarians voted 307 to 173, majority 134, against the proposed change to the children\u2019s wellbeing and schools bill, which was brought forward by Conservative peer and former minister John Nash.<\/p>\n
The age limit had been backed by peers earlier this year after growing calls from campaigners including the actor Hugh Grant.<\/p>\n
However, a ban could still materialise in the future after the Commons supported a government attempt to give additional powers to the secretary of state.<\/p>\n
Supporters of the ban said parents are in \u201can impossible position\u201d over the online harms their children are being exposed to but others, including the NSPCC, warned such legislation could drive teenagers into unregulated corners of the internet.<\/p>\n
In January, Australia introduced the world\u2019s first social media ban for under-16s.<\/p>\n
Under the amendment in lieu, the science secretary, Liz Kendall, could \u201crestrict or ban children of certain ages from accessing social media services and chatbots\u201d.<\/p>\n
She could also limit children\u2019s VPN use, restrict access to addictive features and change the age of digital consent in the UK, education minister Olivia Bailey told MPs.<\/p>\n
Lord Nash described the Commons\u2019 vote as \u201cdeeply disappointing\u201d and pledged to do \u201call that we can\u201d to revive the amendment in the upper chamber.<\/p>\n
Bailey said: \u201cMany parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s.<\/p>\n
\u201cOthers, including children\u2019s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThat is why, last week, the government launched a consultation to seek views to help shape our next steps and ensure children can grow up with a safer, healthier and more enriching relationship with the online world.\u201d<\/p>\n
The consultation will look at whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay.<\/p>\n
John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, rebelled against the government on Monday, voting in favour of the Lords amendment, while 107 Labour MPs abstained.<\/p>\n
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats\u2019 education, children and families spokesperson, said: \u201cThe government\u2019s failure to commit to a ban on harmful social media is simply not good enough \u2013 families need concrete assurances now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need the government to confirm that their consultation will not result in yet more dither and delay.\u201d<\/p>\n
The children\u2019s wellbeing and schools bill will now return to the House of Lords to be further considered by peers and it will only become law if the final draft is agreed by both houses.<\/p>\n
If passed, the legislation will also require councils to \u201cassess the child\u2019s home environment within 15 days\u201d of them being listed on a register of children not in school.<\/p>\n