MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce a social media ban for under-16s in the UK. However, ministers say they could still introduce restrictions after a national consultation.
The Conservative Party proposed the measure as an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Although the House of Lords supported the change, MPs in the Commons defeated it by 307 votes to 173.
As a result, the UK will not immediately follow countries such as Australia, which introduced a nationwide ban on social media use for under-16s last year.
Calls for tougher rules on children’s online access have grown in recent months. Supporters argue that social media platforms expose young users to harmful content and addictive features.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the situation as an “emergency”. During the Commons debate, she warned that many children encounter explicit content while using smartphones during the school day.
She urged the government to take action instead of launching another review. According to Trott, families need clear protections rather than further consultations.
However, ministers warned that an immediate ban could create new risks for young people online. Education minister Olivia Bailey said some children might move to “less regulated corners of the internet” if authorities block social media platforms entirely.
Therefore, the government plans to launch a consultation to gather views from parents, educators, charities and technology companies. Officials say the responses will help shape future policy.
Although ministers refused to introduce a ban now, they have not ruled one out in the future. In fact, MPs approved new powers that allow technology secretary Liz Kendall to impose restrictions later.
Those powers could also target features designed to keep users engaged. For example, regulators could limit autoplay videos and algorithm-driven feeds for younger audiences.
In addition, ministers may restrict the use of VPNs by children. Such tools allow users to bypass safety controls or regional limits on content.
Some Labour MPs also voiced concern about the influence of social media on young people. More than one hundred Labour MPs abstained from the vote, highlighting divisions within the party.
Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan told Parliament that many parents feel overwhelmed by the challenge. He said families are “locked in a daily battle” with platforms designed to keep children online for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, campaigners who support the ban say public demand for stronger rules continues to grow. Conservative peer Lord Nash, who proposed the amendment, said the country shows “huge demand” for better protection for children online.
Because MPs rejected the amendment in the Commons, the bill will now return to the House of Lords for further debate. Peers may attempt to introduce the proposal again during the next stage of the legislative process.
Ultimately, both Houses of Parliament must approve the final version of the law. Until then, the future of a social media ban for under-16s in the UK remains uncertain.
For more updates on this news, follow London Pulse News.
