UK Lords Approve Amendment to Ban Social Media Use by Under-16s; Government Consultation Underway

UK Lords Approve Amendment to Ban Social Media Use by Under-16s; Government Consultation Underway
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The British House of Lords has voted in favour of an amendment that would ban social media use for people under the age of 16, intensifying political and public pressure on the government to adopt similar legislation.

On Wednesday evening, peers approved the change to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill by 261 votes to 150. The amendment would require social media companies to implement age-verification systems that block access for users under 16 within a year and to provide guidance on children’s online safety. Unless the House of Commons votes to remove the provision when the bill returns to that chamber, it could become law.

The House of Lords decision follows growing concern among lawmakers about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing, and mirrors recent action taken in Australia, which has already introduced a similar ban for under-16s.

If enacted, the UK would join a small group of countries pursuing strict age limits for social media, a measure widely debated amid rising concerns about screen time, addictive design features, and exposure to harmful content.