MPs Reject Social Media Ban for Under-16s in UK

0:00On March 10th, MPs in the U.K. have turned down a plan to ban social media for anyone under 16. The vote on the children's well-being and schools bill ended 3-7-173 against the change, which aimed to block. Kids from apps like Instagram and Facebook. Labor led the opposition, whipping its members to reject the idea despite backing from conservatives, liberal Democrats, and the House of Lords. The government pushed an alternative that gives the Science Secretary new powers to limit or ban access for young users, curb VPNs, and tweak the digital consent age. Parents and backers argue family space impossible odds against online dangers designed to hook kids. Children's groups like the NSPCC counter that a full ban could shove teens into riskier, unregulated online spots, leaving them less ready for the digital world. Now a public consultation is live to weigh age limits on platforms and features like auto play that keep users scrolling.

1:01One labor MP rebelled in favor of the ban while over a hundred abstained, showing splits even within the party. The bill returns to the Lords for tweaks, with hopes for agreement on child safety steps like quicker home checks for kids missing school, and better. Alligy rules. This sets up flexible tools to tackle harms without locking down access right away.