LONDON, United Kingdom: The UK government has indicated that restrictions on social media use for children under 16 will be introduced, with ministers confirming plans to act once an ongoing public consultation is completed.
Education minister Olivia Bailey told Parliament that “some form of age or functionality restriction” would be implemented, following repeated calls from lawmakers to tighten controls on youth access to digital platforms.
The announcement comes after the House of Lords backed a proposal to ban under-16s from social media for the fourth time, although MPs in the House of Commons have so far rejected a full ban, arguing that policy decisions should be guided by consultation findings.
Government signals action
Bailey said ministers had “listened carefully to the concerns raised across both Houses” and stressed that action would follow once the consultation concludes.
She added: “The government has said repeatedly that it is a question of how we act, not if,” underlining that measures will be legally required rather than optional.
“The status quo cannot continue,” she said, confirming that restrictions for children under 16 would be introduced in some form, potentially alongside additional measures such as curfews.
Political pressure builds
The debate has intensified in recent months, with opposition Conservatives pushing for an outright ban on social media use by under-16s. They argue stronger safeguards are needed to protect children online.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the latest developments as a “huge step forward in keeping children safe”.
The UK’s move would align it with countries such as Australia, while several European nations, including France and Spain, are also considering similar policies.
Ministers have indicated that a final decision is expected later this year, once the consultation process is completed.
