MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media for the second time, rejecting a Lords amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill by 256 to 150. The amendment, tabled by Conservative peer Lord Nash, would have introduced a default ban, giving ministers 12 months to decide which platforms to restrict.
The government is instead pursuing its own consultation on an under-16s ban and potential restrictions on social media platforms, which closes next month. Early education minister Olivia Bailey said the consultation allows for a wider range of services and features to be considered, and that it is crucial not to pre-empt its outcome.
Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott said she would continue to push for a ban on social media to be included in the bill. The vote is part of the parliamentary process known as 'ping-pong', where both houses seek to agree on final wording.
The government consultation also considers addressing addictive features such as infinite scrolling. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet senior leaders from TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Meta to demand swifter progress on internet safety, stating that parents expect action and that he will take necessary steps to keep children safe online.
The Molly Rose Foundation, an internet safety charity, argued against a ban, calling instead for strengthening the Online Safety Act. Bereaved parents and campaigners, including Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, delivered a letter to Downing Street urging restrictions on under-16s' social media access, a ban on phones in schools, and prohibition of addictive features. Esther Ghey criticised the consultation as delaying action, noting that vulnerable youth may be harmed by online interactions.
