UK to Introduce Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s After Lords Vote
Education minister confirms government will impose age or functionality restrictions following consultation
Quick Look
- The UK government will introduce restrictions on social media for children under 16 after the House of Lords voted 316-165 in favour of an outright ban.
- Education minister Olivia Bailey confirmed ministers will impose "some form of age or functionality restrictions" following the conclusion of a government consultation.
- The move follows the fourth time Lords backed such a proposal, with the government now committing to a statutory requirement that the secretary of state must act after consultation.
AI-generated summary
The UK will introduce restrictions on social media for under-16s, the education minister has said. Olivia Bailey told the Commons "some form of age or functionality restriction" will be brought in after the House of Lords backed an outright ban for the fourth time.
MPs have already overturned the Lords' proposed social media ban three times, saying a government consultation on the matter needs to conclude first. Speaking to the Commons after the latest vote, Ms Bailey said ministers had "listened carefully to the concerns raised across both Houses about the importance of the government acting swiftly once the consultation has concluded".
She added: "The government has said repeatedly that it is a question of how we act, not if, but to put it beyond any doubt, we are playing a clear statutory requirement that the secretary of state must, rather than may, act following the consultation. This brings forward regulations without pre-empting the consultation's outcomes and does not ignore the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already engaged with us."
The education minister then said that "the status quo cannot continue" and added: "We are clear that under any outcome, we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16. I can also confirm that consideration of restrictions such as curfews will be in addition, not instead of this."
The House of Lords voted 316 to 165 in favour of Conservative former minister Lord Nash's amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would outright ban social media for those under 16 years old. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said the vote had helped secure a "commitment" from the government to introduce an age restriction, describing it as a "huge step forward in keeping children safe". The Conservatives have been calling for a ban for months.
It would see the UK follow in the footsteps of Australia, while other countries in Europe – including France and Spain – consider similar restrictions. Speaking before Monday's developments in parliament, a cabinet minister told Sky News a decision on a ban would come before the end of the year. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said ministers will "act relatively quickly" once the government's consultation concludes in a few weeks.
