The UK upper house of parliament has approved a proposal to ban social media use for under 16s, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing debate over online child safety. The decision has intensified pressure on the government to introduce tougher regulations similar to those already implemented in Australia.
On Wednesday, members of the House of Lords voted 261 to 150 in favor of an amendment tabled by Conservative lawmaker John Nash. The proposal received cross party support, with backing from Labour and Liberal Democrat peers, highlighting growing political concern about the impact of social media on young people.
Supporters of the amendment argue that social media platforms are causing serious harm to children, including issues related to mental health, addiction, and online safety risks. John Nash described the vote as a decisive moment, stating that peers had put children’s futures first and begun the process of addressing what he called catastrophic harm caused by unchecked social media use.
Despite the strong vote, the Labour government has so far resisted committing to an immediate ban. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is not ruling out any options but prefers to wait for the outcome of a government consultation expected later this summer before taking legislative action. Downing Street confirmed ahead of the vote that the government would not accept the amendment in its current form.
The proposal will now move to the House of Commons, where Labour holds a majority. More than 60 Labour MPs have already urged the prime minister to support a ban, signaling potential divisions within the ruling party.
Public debate around the issue has intensified. High profile figures, including actor Hugh Grant, have called on the government to act, arguing that parents alone cannot protect children from the dangers of social media. At the same time, some child protection groups caution that a blanket ban could create a false sense of security without addressing deeper online risks.
Public opinion appears firmly in favor of stronger controls. A YouGov poll conducted in December found that 74 percent of Britons support banning social media for under 16s. The existing Online Safety Act already requires strict age verification for harmful content, but the Lords’ vote suggests momentum is building for even tougher measures.
