The UK House of Lords supports amendment to restrict social media access for under-16s
The UK House of Lords has voted in favour of an amendment that would introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, marking a significant step in an ongoing debate over children’s online safety. The proposal now faces further scrutiny in the House of Commons, where the government has signalled it will seek to overturn it.
By 261 votes to 150, members of the House of Lords backed an amendment to the government’s schools bill that would require the introduction of a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16. Under the amendment, the government would have up to a year to determine which platforms would fall within scope and to require companies to implement ‘highly effective’ age-verification measures.
The vote comes as the UK government continues a separate public consultation on potential measures, including a possible ban, stricter age checks, and limits on features designed to encourage prolonged use. Ministers have indicated that they do not support the Lords’ amendment and intend to challenge it when the bill returns to the Commons.
Political momentum around the issue has increased following a recent decision in Australia to restrict under-16s’ access to major social media platforms. In the UK, more than 60 Labour MPs have joined Conservative voices in supporting similar measures, although the Labour leadership has maintained that further evidence is needed before changing the law.
Supporters of the amendment in the Lords argue that a ban would reduce exposure to online harms and give teenagers more time to develop before engaging with social media. Critics, including some peers and children’s organisations, have cautioned that a blanket restriction could have unintended consequences, such as pushing young users towards less regulated online spaces or limiting access to positive forms of communication and information.
Several charities have called instead for stronger enforcement of existing child safety rules. The government’s consultation, due to run for three months, will assess these competing views before ministers decide whether to pursue legislative changes.
