British MPs voted against banning social networks for children under 16 years old

British MPs have rejected a proposal to ban the use of social media by children under 16, previously supported by the House of Lords and public figures, including actor Hugh Grant.

Supporters of the ban highlighted the online risks for children, but critics, including NSPCC, warned that such a measure could force teenagers to access more dangerous areas of the internet. The vote was 307 to 173 against the amendment to the Children’s Welfare Act. However, the House of Commons supported a government proposal that would allow the Secretary of State for Science, Liz Kendall, to restrict children's access to social media. The British government has launched a consultation to gather opinions on the minimum age requirements for social platforms. The bill will return to the House of Lords for review, and will only become law with the approval of both Houses.