Peers push UK to ban under-16s from social media as govt weighs Australia-style move
Peers push UK to ban under-16s from social media as govt weighs Australia-style move
Peers push for a 12-month plan to block under-16s online, with ministers consulting on an Australia-style ban while pilots test safeguards at home.
In the House of Lords, peers backed a bold amendment to accelerate action on limiting social media use for under-16s, voting 266 to 141 in favor of Lord Nash's proposal to decide within 12 months which platforms should be unavailable to younger users. The move intensifies pressure on the government to act quickly as it weighs the merits of a broader restriction.
Officials say the government is not asking whether it should act but how, as ministers continue consultations on whether to follow Australia’s lead and implement a ban for younger users. Alongside this, ministers announced six-week pilots that would test social media bans, digital curfews, and time limits in the homes of about 300 UK teenagers. The pilots aim to gauge practicality, effectiveness, and potential unintended consequences before any final policy is set.
Reaction to the proposal is mixed. Some campaigners and experts welcome stronger protections for children, while others warn that restrictions could be circumvented or push youths toward less regulated spaces. Tech companies, including major platforms, have signaled neutrality on raising the minimum age, emphasizing the need for robust evidence. The debate has already seen tensions between peers and government, with the bill now at the “ping-pong” stage as it returns to the House of Commons for further consideration.
Observers say the outcome will shape the trajectory of UK digital policy in the coming years, influencing conversations about parenting, privacy, and how best to safeguard children online while balancing freedom and innovation.
