Bereaved parents urge MPs to vote for social media ban for under-16s

"Bereaved parents have urged lawmakers to back an immediate ban on under-16s using social media as MPs prepare to vote on proposed restrictions for the first time. MPs will debate the Lords-backed ban for the first time on Monday, which proposes a default block for young people effective within 12 months of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill becoming law."

"Now 23 parents whose children lost their lives due to social media are now urging MPs to reject the government's consultation, and instead back a default block proposed in the Lords to prevent further delays. The parents have been joined by a coalition of organisations including National Education Union, Mumsnet, Health Professionals for Safer Screens and Safe Screens."

Bereaved parents of children who died due to social media have called on UK MPs to support an immediate ban on social media use for under-16s. The Lords-backed amendment proposes a default block effective within 12 months of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill becoming law. The government has suggested replacing this with broader powers allowing restrictions like social media curfews pending consultation outcomes. Twenty-three bereaved parents, alongside organizations including the National Education Union, Mumsnet, and Health Professionals for Safer Screens, urge MPs to reject the government's consultation approach and instead back the immediate default block to prevent further delays in protecting young people.

Read at www.independent.co.uk