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The UK government has announced plans to introduce certain age or functionality restrictions on social media use for individuals under 16, even if it does not implement a full ban. Education Minister Olivia Bailey indicated that while the government is still consulting on the best approach, it is legally committed to taking action following this consultation, which explores the potential adoption of a system similar to Australia’s social media restrictions.
These developments come amid ongoing debates over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, with recent attempts by the House of Lords to push for a direct social media ban for under-16s being voted on for the fourth time. The government proposed additional amendments in an effort to resolve the impasse with the Lords. Following parliamentary votes in the Commons, where the motion was passed by 272 to 64, the bill now returns to the House of Lords for what appears to be its final consideration before receiving royal assent to become law.
Bailey stressed that the current situation is untenable, noting the government’s focus on tackling addictive features and harmful, algorithm-driven content on social media platforms. She confirmed that restrictions could include measures such as curfews, which would be implemented alongside age or functionality barriers. The government has committed to providing a progress report within three months of the bill becoming law, with regulations expected to be laid within 12 months, although there is an expressed intention to finalize these sooner. In exceptional cases, this timeline may be extended by six months, but any extension would require a formal explanation to Parliament.
Reactions from across the political spectrum and campaign groups have varied. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the government’s proposals as significant progress toward better protecting children. Conversely, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized the government for delaying decisive action, urging for swifter implementation given the mental health toll on young people. Campaigners, including bereaved parents like Ellen Roome, who lost her son following a harmful online challenge, expressed relief and gratitude that the government is committing to address the issue. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the government is focused on ensuring the effectiveness of any measures introduced rather than whether action will be taken at all. Supporters in the House of Lords, including former schools minister Lord Nash, have praised the efforts to finalize protective legislation and acknowledged the vital role of campaigning families in driving change
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