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Commons votes against Australia-style social media ban
UK lawmakers rejected a proposal to block under-16s from platforms like TikTok and Instagram on Monday, instead backing a plan that grants ministers discretion to impose age-based restrictions.
Background to the debate
Australia became the first country to enforce a ban on social media for children under 16 last December. The UK's House of Lords endorsed a similar measure in January, with supporters including actor Hugh Grant.
Critics, however, warned that a blanket ban could push young users toward unregulated parts of the internet. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Ian Russell, father of 14-year-old Molly Russell who died after viewing harmful online content, argued for stronger enforcement of existing laws instead.
Government proposes consultation over outright ban
Education Minister Olivia Bailey urged MPs to reject the Lords' amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, advocating for a more nuanced approach. She cited concerns that a total ban might leave teenagers unprepared for online life or drive them to riskier platforms.
"Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s. Others, including children's charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet."
Olivia Bailey, Education Minister
Bailey announced a government consultation to explore options, including minimum age requirements and disabling addictive features like autoplay. The plan would empower Science Secretary Liz Kendall to restrict access to social media, limit harmful features, and even adjust the UK's digital consent age.
Opposition and backbench reactions
Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the government's response as inadequate, citing polling that 40% of children encounter explicit content during school hours. She called for immediate legislation, framing the issue as an "emergency."
Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan, a pharmacist, compared social media to a harmful drug, arguing that evidence of harm should warrant strict controls. Over 100 Labour MPs abstained from the vote, signaling unease with the government's approach.
"Parents like me are locked in a daily battle that they simply cannot win alone, fighting platforms that have been specifically designed to keep children hooked."
Sadik Al-Hassan, Labour MP
Next steps and political fallout
MPs voted 307 to 173 against the Lords' proposal, opting instead for Bailey's alternative. The result drew sharp criticism from peers, including Conservative Lord Nash, who called it "deeply disappointing" and vowed to revive the amendment.
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson accused the government of "dither and delay," demanding concrete action rather than further consultation.
