Members of the British Parliament have rejected a proposal to ban the use of social media for those under 16 in the United Kingdom. Setting the age of 16 had previously gained support in the House of Lords earlier this year amid growing calls from activists, including actor Hugh Grant, according to the British news agency (PA Media). Proponents of the ban, inspired by the Australian model, said parents find themselves in an 'impossible position' due to the digital harm their children face online. In contrast, others, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, warned that the ban could push teenagers to use unregulated corners of the internet. MPs voted by a majority of 307 to 173, a margin of 134 votes, against the amendment to the Children and Schools Bill introduced by former Conservative minister John Nash. Nash described the House of Commons vote as 'deeply disappointing', pledging to do 'everything in our power' to revive the amendment in the House of Lords.
