By Jonathan Ferreira
The House of Lords has voted in favour of a proposal to ban under-16s in the UK from using social media platforms, backing an amendment to the government’s schools bill by 261 votes to 150. The move was supported by Conservative, Liberal Democrat and crossbench peers, alongside a small number from Labour. The government has said it will seek to overturn the amendment when the bill returns to the House of Commons, despite growing cross-party pressure for tougher restrictions on children’s social media use.
Under the proposed amendment, ministers would have a year to decide which platforms should be restricted, with companies required to introduce “highly effective” age verification measures. Supporters of the ban argued that social media use among teenagers is causing serious harm, linking it to mental health issues, online radicalisation and disruptive behaviour in schools. Former Conservative schools minister Lord Nash said the evidence of harm was “overwhelming” and criticised the government’s consultation as a delay to urgent action.
However, critics warned that a blanket ban could have unintended consequences, including pushing young people towards less regulated online spaces and limiting the positive benefits of social media. Several children’s charities, including the NSPCC, have urged stronger enforcement of existing safety rules instead. The government has maintained that the issue is complex and said its three-month consultation will examine a range of options, including age checks, curfews and measures to reduce compulsive online behaviour.
