MPs have rejected proposals to ban social media access for under-16s.
The proposed age limit, which aimed to address concerns over online harms, was defeated in a Commons vote by 307 to 173, a majority of 134.
Supporters of the Australian-style ban argued that parents are in “an impossible position” when it comes to protecting their children online.
The ban had been backed by peers and campaigners, including actor Hugh Grant.
However, organisations such as the NSPCC had cautioned against a blanket ban, warning it could inadvertently push teenagers towards less regulated corners of the internet.
The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was put forward by Conservative peer Lord Nash.
Despite the immediate rejection, a ban could still be implemented in the future, as the Commons supported a government move to grant additional powers to the Secretary of State on the matter.
More to follow…
