MPs vote against social media ban for under-16s a second time

Commons rejects proposal by 256 to 150 to side with government on plan to tackle online harms affecting children

MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media for the second time, as the prime minister summoned tech bosses to demand tougher action on internet safety.

The House of Commons rejected a Lords amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill that imposed a new age limit on using social media platforms, amid pressure from parents and campaign groups for greater urgency in tackling online harms. They voted by 256 to 150, a majority of 106, to side with the government on its plan to tackle social media-linked harms affecting children.

However, MPs passed a Labour amendment giving the government extra powers to implement age curbs once it has finished its own consultation into an under-16s ban, which closes next month.

“Instead of the narrow amendment proposed in the House of Lords, our consultation allows us to address a much wider range of services and features,” said Olivia Bailey MP, the government’s early education minister. “It also allows us to consider the different views about the way to move forward and that’s why it’s crucial that we do not pre-empt the government’s consultation.”