MPs reject ban on social media for under-16s

Ban could still be introduced in future after Commons back government bid to give extra powers to secretary of state

A proposed ban on social media for under-16s has been rejected by MPs.

Parliamentarians voted 307 to 173, majority 134, against the proposed change to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill, which was brought forward by Conservative peer and former minister John Nash.

The age limit had been backed by peers earlier this year after growing calls from campaigners including the actor Hugh Grant.

However, a ban could still materialise in the future after the Commons supported a government attempt to give additional powers to the secretary of state.

Supporters of the ban said parents are in “an impossible position” over the online harms their children are being exposed to but others, including the NSPCC, warned such legislation could drive teenagers into unregulated corners of the internet.

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

Under the amendment in lieu, the science secretary, Liz Kendall, could “restrict or ban children of certain ages from accessing social media services and chatbots”.

She could also limit children’s VPN use, restrict access to addictive features and change the age of digital consent in the UK, education minister Olivia Bailey told MPs.

Lord Nash described the Commons’ vote as “deeply disappointing” and pledged to do “all that we can” to revive the amendment in the upper chamber.

Bailey said: “Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s.

“Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online.”

She added: “That is why, last week, the government launched a consultation to seek views to help shape our next steps and ensure children can grow up with a safer, healthier and more enriching relationship with the online world.”

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

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

Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education, children and families spokesperson, said: “The government’s failure to commit to a ban on harmful social media is simply not good enough – families need concrete assurances now.

“We need the government to confirm that their consultation will not result in yet more dither and delay.”

The children’s wellbeing and schools bill will now return to the House of Lords to be further considered by peers and it will only become law if the final draft is agreed by both houses.

If passed, the legislation will also require councils to “assess the child’s home environment within 15 days” of them being listed on a register of children not in school.

This forms part of the government’s response to the death of Sara Sharif, 10, who was murdered by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, in Woking, Surrey in 2023.