UK Lords Back Plan to Ban Under-16s from Social Media
UK Lords Back Plan to Ban Under-16s from Social Media
Peers push for swift action on an Australia-style ban for under-16s, with pilots planned and government weighing the model.
The House of Lords has again backed a proposal to bar under-16s from social media platforms, voting 266 to 141 in favour of a amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It marks the second time peers have defeated the government over the idea, which would give ministers 12 months to decide which platforms should be unavailable to younger users.
Technology Minister Baroness Lloyd of Effra said it is not if we act, but how as she defended the government’s decision to consult on whether the UK should follow Australia by introducing a ban.
Ahead of Wednesday’s debate in the Lords, the government also announced pilots to test social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps in the homes of 300 UK teenagers. The six-week trials are designed to gather evidence on potential effects and enforcement.
Reaction is mixed. Some campaigners support stronger restrictions to protect children, while others warn that restrictions could be circumvented or push youths toward darker corners of the internet. Meta and YouTube have cautioned against raising the minimum age, while officials from TikTok and X indicated neutrality on the issue.
MPs, who hold a comfortable Commons majority, are expected to overturn the Lords’ amendment again when the bill returns to the lower house. The legislation is currently in the parliamentary phase known as “ping-pong,” where texts move back and forth as lawmakers negotiate final form.
