Labour MPs expect a “politically inept” U-turn from the government on banning social media for under-16s amid Conservative plans to force a vote on the issue.
Dozens of Labour MPs are pushing ministers to adopt an Australia-style ban, Sky News has been told.
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Many expect the government will move on the issue, following pressure from the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the Opposition.
The Conservatives have pledged to ban social media for under-16s and on Thursday tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would regulate social media platforms “to use highly-effective age assurance measures to prevent children under 16 from accessing services”.
This amendment is expected to be voted on in the House of Lords on Monday when the bill begins its report stage in the upper chamber. It has cross-party support, including the backing of former Labour MP turned peer Luciana Berger.
If passed, that provides a way for it to be debated in the Commons. One Labour MP told Sky News there was “no way” the government could whip the PLP against, claiming a majority are in favour of the ban and Number 10 will want to avoid another welfare-style rebellion.
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They said they expect the government to back a ban but lamented the “political ineptitude” of being on the backfoot to Conservatives on this issue.
Other MPs told Sky News that dozens of backbenchers are pushing the government to move to a ban and they don’t think it will come to a rebellion as “the government will do it”.
Some MPs are pushing for the government to table its own amendment that they can get behind, which would promise to at least consult on an Australia-style ban. But another MP said they were “sick of consultations” and the government should just get on with it.
Many Labour MPs have been vocal in calling for a ban, as well as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham – who many expect could launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer in the future.
Fred Thomas, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, told Sky News: “MPs across the political spectrum recognise the harm that social media is causing to our young people.
“Children are spending sleepless nights glued to addictive platforms, feeding them harmful content.
“We know that the recent explosion in mental illness among young people is correlated to excessive social media use, and it’s time for action.
“I know the government are looking closely at what is happening in Australia, where tech companies have to prevent under-16s from accessing social media. I very much hope we will see a similar model implemented here.”
York Outer MP Luke Charters said: “It’s totally right that we consider a social media ban for children.
“I have two boys under four, and like many parents I find myself worrying about the world they’re growing up in. Social media is a big part of that worry in the years ahead, and we can’t afford not to act while harm is being done in plain sight.
“We’ve all heard stories of children being groomed, bullied, exploited and extorted online, and it’s important that we’re taking action to prevent that harm, and give our kids the safe and healthy childhoods they deserve.”
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The government does not currently support a ban on social media for children.
Ministers say they are waiting to see how it plays out in Australia, after it became the first country in the world to enforce an under-16 social media ban in December.
However there are signs of their position softening. The prime minister didn’t rule out a ban on Thursday, saying “all options are on the table”.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also heavily hinted he is in favour of the ban, telling broadcasters there is a “strong case for action in this area” and “the prime minister encourages that debate”.
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“On one hand, we know that social media can be a great point of connection, and that’s true for young people as well as the rest of us. At the same time, we also see the impact of doomscrolling on the cognitive, the brain development of children,” he said.
He said that debate should not just involve politicians but parents and young people too.
Asked if he would back the Conservatives’ amendment if it came back to the Commons, he said: “That’s a decision for the prime minister and the education secretary but I’m really glad we’re having this debate.”
