Social media ban for under-16s backed by Lords

A ban on social media for under-16s has been backed by the House of Lords following growing calls from campaigners including actor Hugh Grant.In a heavy Government defeat, peers supported the cross-party move by 261 votes to 150, majority 111, and means it will have to be considered by MPs in the Commons.Supporters of the Australian-style ban have argued parents are in “an impossible position” with regard to the online harms their children are being exposed to.Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation this week, which will consider the advantages and disadvantages of a ban, as well as possible overnight curfews and actions to prevent “doom-scrolling”, before reporting back in the summer.