- MPs have rejected a proposed ban on social media for under-16s, despite earlier backing from peers and campaigners.
- The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was defeated in a Commons vote by 307 to 173, a majority of 134.
- Supporters argued the ban was necessary to address online harms, while critics, including the NSPCC, warned it could drive teenagers to less regulated parts of the internet.
- The Commons did support a Government bid to grant the Science Secretary, Liz Kendall, additional powers to restrict or ban children's access to social media and chatbots in the future.
- The Government has launched a consultation to gather views on shaping future steps for a safer online environment for children, including minimum age requirements and the regulation of addictive features.
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