Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey Back Under-16s Social Media Ban

A prominent coalition of public figures has united to demand stricter online safety measures for children, targeting social media access for those under 16. The initiative comes at a critical moment in parliamentary proceedings.

The group, including Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey, has formally written to the leaders of the three major political parties. Their collective voice aims to influence an upcoming vote in the House of Lords concerning a proposed amendment to children's welfare legislation.

The letter represents a significant alignment of interests between the entertainment industry and advocates for child safety. Hugh Grant, the acclaimed actor, lends his considerable public profile to the cause, while Esther Ghey brings the weight of her advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter, Brianna Ghey.

The correspondence was addressed to the leaders of the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat parties. Specifically, the letter calls for Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, and Ed Davey to throw their support behind the proposed legislation.

The core objective of the letter is to secure backing for amendment 94a. This specific legislative change is embedded within the broader children’s wellbeing and schools bill, a piece of legislation currently under scrutiny by Parliament.

The timing of this intervention is deliberate, occurring just ahead of a scheduled parliamentary event. Peers in the House of Lords are set to vote on various amendments to the bill on Wednesday, creating a window of opportunity for advocacy.

Amendment 94a targets the digital environment in which children operate. By proposing a ban on social media access for under-16s, the amendment seeks to address growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health and safety.

The children’s wellbeing and schools bill serves as the legislative vehicle for this change. The bill itself covers a wide range of issues affecting minors, making the social media amendment a key component of the ongoing debate regarding modern parenting and education.

The involvement of Esther Ghey adds a deeply personal and poignant dimension to the campaign. Her advocacy for online safety has been a driving force in public discourse since the death of her daughter, highlighting the real-world consequences of digital exposure.

Meanwhile, Hugh Grant’s participation underscores the broad societal concern that transcends political divides. His support signals that the issue of child safety online is viewed as a non-partisan priority by many in the public eye.

Together, these signatories represent a powerful voice urging legislative action. Their collective appeal is designed to cut through political gridlock and focus attention on the welfare of the youngest members of society.

The immediate focus remains on the upcoming vote in the House of Lords. The outcome of the vote on Wednesday will determine whether amendment 94a proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process.

If the amendment is successful, it could pave the way for a fundamental shift in how social media platforms operate regarding under-16s in the UK. The debate reflects a broader global conversation about regulating the digital landscape for minors.

The pressure from high-profile figures adds significant weight to the parliamentary debate. It highlights the urgency felt by many regarding the need to update laws to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

The collaboration between Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey marks a notable moment in the ongoing campaign for digital safety. Their unified stance emphasizes the growing consensus that stronger protections are necessary for children online.

As the Westminster vote approaches, the eyes of the nation will be on the House of Lords. The decision regarding amendment 94a will serve as a barometer for the political will to regulate social media use among the youth.