Bereaved parents are urging Keir Starmer to take immediate action on social media following the rejection of a proposal to block under 16s from using online platforms. These parents, who have tragically lost children due to social media-related incidents, criticized the Government for its lack of decisive measures and expressed concerns about being overshadowed by the rapid advancements of Big Tech.

Calls for banning social media for under 16s are intensifying, as members of the House of Lords have pushed for a second vote on the issue within a short span of six weeks. However, MPs recently voted against amending the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, with a tally of 256 votes against and 150 in favor.

The Government has refrained from backing these amendments as it is currently engaged in consultations on various online safety strategies, including the possibility of implementing a social media ban and regulating addictive features on apps, or enforcing curfews on online platforms during nighttime hours.

Education minister Olivia Bailey labeled the Lords’ amendment as “narrow” and emphasized the importance of ongoing consultation to consider a broader range of services and viewpoints. She assured that the government is committed to taking prompt action and providing appropriate oversight on the matter.

A group of bereaved parents, including Ellen Roome, who suspects her son’s death was linked to an online challenge, delivered a letter to No10 urging urgent intervention. They highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to protect children from the negative impacts of social media, comparing it to “Digital Nicotine” that bypasses developmental safeguards.

While some advocate for a ban on social media for under 16s, not all bereaved parents and online safety organizations support this approach. Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly Russell tragically took her own life due to online harms, cautions against rushing into a ban without careful consideration of its implications.

Research findings from Opinium reveal that over 70% of British parents support preventing under-16s from accessing social media accounts. The debate on regulating social media continues, with differing opinions on the most effective approach to safeguarding children online.