UK rejects social media ban for under-16s
Parents and campaign groups urge an immediate ban to protect children from online harms, citing evidence of addiction and risk.
A proposed social media ban for under-16s has been rejected by UK MPs, with 307 voting against and 173 in favour. The measure, introduced as an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aimed to protect children from online harms.
Instead, the UK government secured support for giving ministers flexible powers, enforceable after a consultation on online safety concludes. The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, could limit social media access and VPN use, turn off addictive features, and raise the UK’s digital consent age.
Supporters of a full ban argued parents face an ‘impossible position’ managing online risks for their children. Campaigners, bereaved parents, and organisations such as Mumsnet and the National Education Union called for immediate action.
Critics, including the NSPCC, warned that a blanket ban could push teenagers towards unregulated online spaces.
The government consultation will examine minimum age requirements and the removal of features such as autoplay. MPs emphasised that any policy must balance safety with preparing children for responsible online engagement.
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