UK Government Pledges Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s

The government intends to impose some form of age or functionality restrictions on social media for individuals under the age of 16, even if an outright ban is not implemented. Education Minister Olivia Bailey announced these plans on Monday evening as ministers sought to resolve disagreements with peers over the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The House of Lords had previously supported a social media ban for under-16s on four separate occasions. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott characterized the government's latest proposals, presented in the House of Commons, as a significant advancement in child safety measures.

Lawmakers approved the government's motion with a vote of 272 in favour and 64 against. The bill is now set to return to the House of Lords for its final review before receiving royal assent and becoming law.

Minister Bailey did not provide precise details regarding the specific actions the government would take. However, she stated that the government is making a legal commitment to act following the conclusion of its consultation on whether the UK should adopt an Australia-style ban. She emphasized that the current situation is unsustainable and that the consultation is focused on determining the appropriate mechanism for action.

"We are clear that under any outcome we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16," Bailey told the Commons. She also confirmed that considerations such as curfews would be implemented in addition to, rather than instead of, these primary restrictions.

Bailey highlighted the government's focus on "addictive features, harmful algorithmically-driven content and features." She noted that a progress report must be submitted within three months of the legislation receiving royal assent, reflecting the government's intention to respond promptly after the consultation.

Furthermore, Bailey stated that regulations are expected to be laid within 12 months of royal assent, with a firm aim to complete this process before the end of the year, as indicated by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. In exceptional circumstances, the timeline for laying regulations could be extended by an additional six months, provided Parliament is given a clear explanation for the delay.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson informed the BBC that there is a diversity of views among campaigners regarding the specific measures to be imposed, and the consultation would shape the final course of action.

Ellen Roome, from Cheltenham, whose son Jools Sweeney, 14, died after an online challenge reportedly went wrong, expressed her pleasure that the government has committed to taking action. "There parents who are absolutely delighted, there was a lot of tears last night," Roome stated, adding, "We've just done as much as we can to say please make a difference for everybody elses' children as its too late for us."

Shadow education secretary Trott reiterated the government's commitment: "We now have a commitment on the floor of the House from the government that they will impose an age restriction for children under-16. And this is in addition to, not instead of, any curfews. This is a huge step forward in keeping children safe and supporting parents in their fight against screens destroying children's lives."

However, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the government of delaying action. "I think this is just an excuse for the government not to take action. They could have set a timetable in law to force their hand," he told BBC Breakfast, urging for faster progress. He further commented, "If you look at the mental health impact on children, the devastation its caused for some families, I'm afraid kicking the can is not an answer, we need action and we need it in the next 12 months."

Phillipson refuted these claims, asserting the government's commitment to action. "It is not a question of whether we take action, we know we have to, we know we need to do more to keep people safe. Its a question of.. how we make sure it works," she said. She concluded by stating, "We will now all turn our attention - together- to making sure this is implemented as soon as possible in the best way to protect our children."

Phillipson also acknowledged the efforts of campaigners, stating, "They didn't have to do this. They did it so that no other family would have to live through what they have lived through, and they have ensured that as a result every child in the country will be safer because of their work. I thank them for it."