SAEDNEWS: The UK has moved closer to introducing a social media ban for under-16s after the House of Lords backed a cross-party proposal by a significant margin, forcing the issue to be considered by MPs in the House of Commons.
According to SAEDNEWS, A proposed UK ban on social media use by children under 16 moved closer to adoption on Wednesday after the House of Lords voted to back a cross-party amendment, raising the prospect that restrictions could apply far more widely than platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Peers supported the proposal by 261 votes to 150, meaning the measure will now be considered by lawmakers in the House of Commons, where it could face significant political pressure despite the government’s official opposition.
While ministers have said they do not support an outright ban, a growing number of Labour MPs and opposition figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have publicly endorsed the idea, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to shift his position.
A Labour MP told Sky News there was “no way” the government could compel its backbenchers to oppose a ban, warning that a major rebellion was likely.
Although the government officially opposes an outright ban, growing support among Labour backbenchers and opposition figures has increased political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, raising the likelihood that the government may soften its stance.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has launched a three-month consultation to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of a ban, as well as alternatives such as overnight curfews and measures to limit excessive scrolling, with ministers set to study Australia’s approach.
Experts warn that the proposed legislation could extend far beyond major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, due to its broad wording under the Online Safety Act, which refers to “all regulated user-to-user services.”
Legal and media experts say this definition could potentially include messaging apps, gaming platforms such as Roblox, forums, and even everyday digital services that allow user interaction, unless the law is narrowed.
Some specialists argue the government should distinguish between private communications among friends and family and open platforms where children can interact with strangers, suggesting the latter would be easier and more effective to regulate.
Australia’s under-16s social media ban, introduced last year, covers 10 major platforms and imposes heavy fines for non-compliance, but excludes services such as Roblox, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids, offering a possible reference point for UK lawmakers.
The UK government says it aims to protect children’s wellbeing online and will base any final decision on evidence gathered during the consultation process.
