In a move that has reignited the debate around online safety for young people, the House of Lords has voted to ban under-16s in the UK from using social media platforms. The amendment, which was passed by 261 votes to 150, is part of the government’s Schools Bill and represents a significant challenge to ministers.
The proposal, backed by Conservative, Liberal Democrat and crossbench peers, as well as two Labour members, aims to give teenagers “a few more years to mature” before accessing social media. Supporters of the ban, including former Tory schools minister Lord Nash, argue that children’s use of these platforms is a “societal catastrophe” linked to mental health issues, online radicalisation and disruptive behaviour in classrooms.
However, the government has indicated that it will attempt to overturn the amendment in the House of Commons, while also launching a three-month consultation on a potential ban. This has drawn criticism from some peers, who believe the consultation will become a “playground of the tech lobbyist” and that the government only acts under pressure, not principle.
Labour has also distanced itself from the Lords’ amendment, with a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer stating that the party believes the right approach is to gather evidence and insight before changing the law. They argue that a blanket ban could push teenagers towards “less regulated platforms” and deprive them of the more positive aspects of social media.
The debate highlights the complex and contentious nature of this issue, with advocates of the ban citing the urgent need to protect young people, while others caution against hasty legislation that could have unintended consequences. As the bill moves to the Commons, ministers will face increasing pressure to take a firm stance on this sensitive and high-stakes topic.
