MPs have once again voted against banning under-16s from social media, rejecting a Lords amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill by 256 to 150. The proposal, introduced by Conservative peer Lord Nash, would have imposed a default ban requiring ministers to decide within 12 months which platforms to restrict. The government instead continues its consultation on potential restrictions, including raising the age limit from 13 to 16 and curbing addictive features like infinite scrolling.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey defended the government's approach, stating the consultation covers a wider range of services and avoids pre-empting findings. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott vowed to keep pushing for a ban on the face of the bill. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet leaders from TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Meta to demand faster action on online safety, saying parents expect swift measures.
Bereaved parents and campaigners delivered a letter to Downing Street urging restrictions on under-16s' social media access, phone bans in schools, and a prohibition on addictive features. Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, criticised the consultation as delaying action, noting her daughter's isolation despite online forums aimed at vulnerable youth.
The Molly Rose Foundation argued against a ban, calling for stronger regulation via the Online Safety Act instead. The vote marks the second rejection of the Nash amendment, with the bill now returning to the Lords for further consideration.
