THE National Education Union (NEU) has welcomed a cross-party amendment in the House of Lords moving Britain one step closer to banning social media for children under the age of 16.

Wednesday’s vote was a “landmark step towards finally putting children’s welfare ahead of Big Tech’s interests,” NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said.

“With clear support from peers, this vote reflects the strength of feeling across the country,” he added.

“Parents, teachers, MPs and now peers are united in calling for urgent reform to protect children from the harms of social media and raise the age of access to 16.

“Now is the time for swift action. We must continue to put pressure on Parliament to drive this through to law, and not stand by and watch a lengthy consultation period that allows for Big Tech lobbyists to dominate. Children cannot afford delay.”

The 261 to 150 vote means the Commons will now have to consider the proposal.