#push back

“The government is committed to implementing social media restrictions for under-16s but ministers must "make sure it works" before introducing changes, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told the BBC.”

“The government is consulting on an outright ban, as well as other measures designed to stop teenagers accessing addictive and harmful material.

Phillipson's comments came after junior education minister Olivia Bailey said the government would "impose some form of age or functionality restrictions" even if it stopped short of a ban.”

“Monday saw the latest stand-off between the government and House of Lords over the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would give ministers the power to introduce sweeping restrictions on social media usage.

Peers have repeatedly pushed the government to press ahead with a ban, voting in favour of rebel amendments on four occasions.

The government proposed further amendments to the Bill on Monday in an effort to end the deadlock, including one which would give ministers the power to implement a ban in the future but stops short of introducing as quickly as the Lords had called for.”

“MPs supported the government's changes to the draft law by 272 votes to 64, with the Bill now returning to the Lords for what looks to be the final consideration before it receives royal assent and becomes law.”

“On Monday, Bailey said the government was making a legal commitment that it "must" act once its consultation restrictions concludes on 26 May, but did not give specific details about the action ministers would take.

She told the Commons: "Let us be clear: the status quo cannot continue. We are consulting on the mechanism and that is the right thing to do.

(it can. You just don't want it to because you're a controlling entitled asshole).

"But we are clear that under any outcome we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16.”

Things like curfews will be considered

(great. As. If they don't have enough of those! Gid forbid children have anything! And God forbid adults don't want to hand over their fucking GOVERNMENT information to use a service they pay for!)

She said they are focused on addicting features harmful algorithmically-driven content and features".

(suuuuuure)

## next step

Bailey said a "progress report" must be made three months after the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill receives royal assent, adding this reflects "our intention to quickly produce a response following the consultation".

And says that they will have 12 months to lay down regulations

But they aim to get it done before the end of the year