Business · BBC Technology
Social media restrictions for under-16s even if no ban, minister confirms
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The government is committed to implementing social media restrictions for under-16s but ministers must "make sure it works" before introducing changes, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told the BBC.
Key facts
- Ellen Roome, from Cheltenham, who believes her son Jools Sweeney, 14, died while trying a dangerous online challenge, told BBC Breakfast she was "so pleased" the government had committed to taking
- MPs supported the government's changes to the draft law by 272 votes to 64, with the bill now returning to the Lords for what looks to be the final consideration before it receives royal assent
- After Monday's vote, shadow education secretary Laura Trott said there was now a "commitment on the floor of the House from the government that they will impose an age restriction for children
- On Monday, Bailey said the government was making a legal commitment that it "must" act once its consultation restrictions concludes on 26 May, but did not give specific details about the action
Summary
The government is consulting on an outright ban, as well as other measures designed to stop teenagers accessing addictive and harmful material. Phillipson's comments came after junior education minister Olivia Bailey said the government would "impose some form of age or functionality restrictions" even if it stopped short of a ban. Campaigners have called for an Australia-style ban on children using social media, but there are questions about how effective the prohibition has been. Monday saw the latest stand-off between the government and House of Lords over the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would give ministers the power to introduce sweeping restrictions on social media usage.