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A coalition of 60 Labour parliamentarians have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pressing him to back a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16, prior to a key vote in the the upper chamber this week.

Widespread Pressure Mounts

The lawmakers, who include committee heads, past shadow ministers and representatives from across the party's spectrum, are seeking to ramp up pressure on the prime minister. This follows growing calls for the UK to adopt a similar policy of Australia, which implemented a comparable prohibition recently.

Although Starmer has stated he is open to the idea, members of the House of Lords are looking to force the issue via an legislative addition to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would force the enactment of a age restriction within a year of the act receiving royal assent.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we hear the same message: children are stressed and sad, and struggling to concentrate on learning. They are failing to develop the interpersonal skills needed to succeed.”

International Action

The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Globally, governments are recognising the seriousness of this issue and implementing measures.” It points to existing or pending legislation in nations like France, Norway, New Zealand, Greece and Denmark.

“We believe the responsibility must be shifted to technology platforms, not parents, to block access by minors,” the MPs write. “We would favour a framework like Australia’s that compels companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.”

Practical Hurdles

This demonstration of support from MPs increases further focus on the Prime Minister. While he has earlier voiced doubts about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently informed MPs he was open in principle to the concept.

However, over the past few days, officials have stressed apprehensions that a ban could unintentionally drive children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They argue on the need to assess further information from the Australian policy before enacting a UK version.

“Theoretically, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the harms and are anxious about what is happening to young people’s minds,” stated an associate. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with implementation. We need to take our time and make sure we do this properly.”

Parliamentary Test

The Prime Minister's stance will face a direct test this week when members of the upper house vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the schools bill proposes setting an minimum age one year after the law is passed.

While the Labour leadership has not announced its official position on the amendment, multiple Labour peers are likely to support it despite any party whip.

Among them is ex-parliamentarian Luciana Berger, who has backed Lord Nash's amendment. She commented: “The plan for raising the social media age limit has widespread backing – nationally and within the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must move swiftly to shield them.”