UK Lords push for Australian-style social media ban for under-16s

The House of Lords has backed a plan to introduce an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16, marking a significant challenge to the government and reigniting debate over online safety and youth mental health.

Peers voted 266 to 141 in favour of an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would require ministers to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from holding accounts on major social platforms. Supporters argue the move is essential to protect young people from harmful content, online bullying, and addictive design features.

The amendment, championed by Conservative former schools minister Lord Nash, reflects similar legislation passed in Australia last year, which made it illegal for children under 16 to use platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube without strict age verification measures. Lord Nash said the Lords’ vote sent an “unambiguous message” that incremental steps were not enough to safeguard children online.

The move faces resistance from the government. Earlier this month, the House of Commons rejected a similar proposal, voting 307 to 173 against a total ban. Education Minister Olivia Bailey warned that a blanket prohibition could push children to unregulated corners of the internet or leave them unprepared for digital life, advocating instead for flexible tools and regulations to manage online risk.

Despite the Commons’ rejection, the Lords’ vote highlights deep divisions in UK politics over how best to protect children online. The bill will return to the Commons for further consideration, setting the stage for potential clashes between MPs and peers.

Australia’s precedent has sparked international discussion, with proponents pointing to the country’s efforts to reduce mental health harms among young people, while critics warn of enforcement challenges and unintended consequences. In the UK, campaigners and concerned parents are now pressing the government to consider stricter age limits or safety measures to better protect children from the risks posed by social media.

As the debate continues, the outcome will determine whether the UK follows Australia’s lead or takes a more cautious, regulatory approach to online safety for minors.