MPs Reject Under-16s Social Media Ban for Second Time
MPs have once again rejected calls for a default ban on children under 16 accessing social media, instead backing the government's more flexible approach to tackling online harms. The vote, held as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, saw the House of Commons side with ministers by 256 to 150, a majority of 106.
Government Gains Wide Powers to Curb Social Media Use
Under the bill, the government will gain adaptable powers to regulate children's social media use. These powers could include implementing curfews, setting scrolling limits, restricting location sharing, and potentially blocking under-16s from specific platforms. A public consultation is currently underway, closing next month, to help ministers determine precise actions.
The rejected default ban was originally proposed by Conservative peer Lord Nash, who advocated for a blanket prohibition on harmful social media for children with a 12-month implementation window. Peers initially agreed, but MPs voted last month to reject it in favour of the flexible power, prompting the Lords to insist again. In the latest "ping pong" process to finalise the bill, MPs have reaffirmed their support for the government's position.
Debate Highlights Concerns Over Social Media Harms
During the debate, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the harms linked to social media, stating, "When young girls post dance videos, they learn that the way that they get approval is not internally but externally." She warned that children become dependent on external validation, with likes equating to approval and sexualised content attracting attention, reshaping self-worth. Trott also highlighted dangerous trends like blackout challenges, which have led to fatalities.
Education minister Olivia Bailey defended the government's approach, telling the Commons, "Instead of the narrow amendment proposed in the House of Lords, our consultation allows us to address a much wider range of services and features." She promised the government would not pursue "endless rounds of consultation."
Opposition and Cross-Party Calls for Action
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokeswoman, expressed concern that ministers might not act at all, noting the bill's wording only says they "may" make provisions, not that they "will." Labour MPs urged swift action once powers are granted. John Whitby, Labour MP for Derbyshire Dales, said, "I support the Government’s ambition to act. We need to get on with it." He encouraged public participation in the consultation, which closes on May 26.
Peter Prinsley, Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, supported the government but stressed the need to consider the Lords' proposals seriously. He called for clear, timely boundaries in the fast-evolving digital world, echoing widespread expectations for action.
Lords May Continue Stand-Off as Bill Progresses
The Lords must again consider the Commons’ position before the bill becomes law, and peers could prolong the stand-off. Lord Nash stated he has "every intention of once again telling the Government that our position is unchanged." He criticised the government's approach as waiting for harms to mount, arguing for a delay in access to harmful social media until age 16, with the consultation focusing on implementation and issues like AI chatbots and VPNs.
In related votes, MPs rejected a review of limits on branded school uniform items and blocked a ban on smartphones during the school day. However, school leaders in England will face a new duty to consider government guidance on mobile phone use in educational settings.
