UK to Introduce Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s

The Education Secretary has said social media restrictions for under-16s will be introduced, as ministers move towards tighter online protections for children amid ongoing consultation over how the rules will work in practice.

Bridget Phillipson said there will be “more action to keep young people safe online, including around social media”.

She added that this will include restrictions on age or functionality, although detailed proposals have not yet been finalised.

Phillipson said no specific details have been confirmed because the government is still consulting campaigners, parents and families on the design of the restrictions.

Officials say the policy is intended to reflect evidence gathered during that process rather than pre-empt it.

The move comes as peers in the House of Lords have repeatedly pushed for stronger action.

A complete social media ban for under-16s was voted through for a fourth time on April 27, backed by Conservative former minister Lord Nash as part of proposed changes to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

However, MPs have overturned the amendment, arguing that the government’s consultation must conclude before final decisions are made.

Ministers have instead proposed alternative changes to end the legislative stand-off between both Houses.

Education minister Olivia Bailey told the Commons that “some form of age or functionality restriction” will be introduced regardless of the final consultation outcome.

She said ministers have “listened carefully to the concerns raised across both Houses about the importance of the government acting swiftly once the consultation has concluded”.

Bailey added: “The government has said repeatedly that it is a question of how we act, not if, but to put it beyond any doubt, we are playing a clear statutory requirement that the secretary of state must, rather than may, act following the consultation.

“This brings forward regulations without pre-empting the consultation’s outcomes and does not ignore the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already engaged with us.”

She also said “the status quo cannot continue” and confirmed:

“We are clear that under any outcome, we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16.

“I can also confirm that consideration of restrictions such as curfews will be in addition, not instead of this.”

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the direction of travel, describing the government’s latest position as a “huge step forward in keeping children safe”.

She said the Lords’ vote had helped secure a clearer commitment to action after months of pressure from Conservative MPs calling for a ban.

The Conservatives have been advocating for a full ban on social media use for under-16s for several months.

If implemented, it would place the UK alongside countries such as Australia, while nations including France and Spain are also considering similar restrictions.

Ministers insist the final model will depend on consultation outcomes, but have made clear that some form of legal restriction on young users will be introduced.