UK parliament rejects proposal to ban social media for under-16s

Members of the UK Parliament have rejected a proposal to ban social media access for users under 16, after voting down an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The measure was defeated with 307 votes against and 173 in favour.

The proposal had aimed to protect children from online harms such as exposure to harmful content, addictive platform features and excessive screen use. Supporters of the ban argued that parents face growing challenges managing the risks associated with social media platforms.

Instead of introducing an immediate restriction, the government secured support for a more flexible regulatory approach. Under this approach, ministers will be able to introduce measures once a national consultation on online safety has concluded.

Potential measures under consideration include limiting access to social media for younger users, restricting the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), disabling features designed to increase user engagement, and raising the age at which young people can legally consent to online services.

Advocacy groups and campaigners had urged lawmakers to support a ban, arguing that evidence shows social media can contribute to addiction and other harms among children. Organisations such as Mumsnet and the National Education Union, along with several bereaved parents, called for immediate legislative action.

However, some child-protection organisations warned that a blanket ban could produce unintended effects. The NSPCC, among others, cautioned that restricting access entirely could push teenagers toward less regulated or harder-to-monitor online spaces.

The upcoming government consultation will examine possible safeguards, including minimum age requirements and restrictions on platform features such as autoplay, as policymakers seek to balance child protection with the need to prepare young people for responsible participation in the digital environment.