MPs were slammed for putting big tech profits before the wellbeing of children today after voting against an under-16s social media ban.

Britain’s largest education union the National Education Union (NEU) slammed the government-backed rejection of the proposed change to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The age restriction was proposed by Conservative peer and former minister John Nash in an amendment backed by peers earlier this year.

Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell rebelled against the government on Monday night, voting in favour of the Lords amendment, while 107 Labour MPs abstained.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said that MPs had the opportunity “to put the wellbeing of children before the profits of big tech and vote to raise the age of social media access to 16.

“This is why it’s so disappointing that the amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill hasn’t passed.

“On average, 13-year-olds are served concerning, harmful content — including sex, guns and self-harm — within just three minutes of logging on to social media.”

The government launched a consultation last week to look at whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay.

“If the government is serious about protecting children, it will listen to the calls of teachers, bereaved parents, health professionals, charities and community groups,” Mr Kebede said.

“Only a ban for under-16s can provide the immediate safeguard needed to protect young people from dangerous, algorithmic platforms.”

MPs voted to support a government attempt to give additional powers to the secretary of state.

Australia introduced the world’s first social media ban for under-16s in January.