This can't be left to individual families': how social media ban could affect under-16s

"Pressure is mounting on the UK government to introduce a ban on social media for under-16s, after a decisive vote in House of Lords in favour of Australian-style restrictions. Peers backed a Tory-led amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill by 261 votes to 150, despite the government opposing the move. Ministers are already considering a ban as part of a consultation due to report by the summer and so the Lords amendment is unlikely to pass in the Commons."

"Leaving the decision to families exacerbates inequalities' Laura, a parent from East Dunbartonshire, says the scale of harmful content circulating on social media has left many families feeling powerless. Laura, whose children are nine and 11, supports proposals to restrict children's access to social media platforms, arguing that current safeguards leave too much exposure to chance. Concerns about what my children might see online keep me awake at night, Laura says."

The House of Lords backed a Tory-led amendment to ban social media for under-16s by 261 votes to 150, despite government opposition. Ministers are considering a ban through a consultation due by summer, making the Lords amendment unlikely to pass the Commons. Keir Starmer is understood to want to await evidence from Australia's December ban, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urges immediate implementation. Parents and teachers report widespread exposure to harmful content, impacts on children's emotional wellbeing and concentration, and practical challenges shielding children from peers' devices. A parent from East Dunbartonshire warns leaving decisions to families creates a postcode lottery and exacerbates inequalities.

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