UK Labour MPs Push for Social Media Ban for Under-16s

More than 60 Labour MPs have urged party leader Keir Starmer to support a social media ban for individuals under 16 years old. This push comes as the House of Lords prepares to vote on an amendment to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which aims to implement such a ban within a year of the bill's passage. The MPs, representing a diverse spectrum of the party, argue that children are facing significant mental health challenges exacerbated by social media usage. They cite international examples, including legislation in Australia, Denmark, and France, advocating for technology companies to enforce age limits rather than placing the burden on parents.

The Guardian

Starmer has expressed openness to the idea of a ban but has also indicated a desire to evaluate the effectiveness of Australia's recent legislation, which prohibits under-16s from using major social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Critics within the government, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, have raised concerns that such a ban could inadvertently push children towards less regulated areas of the internet. A source close to Starmer noted that while he acknowledges the dangers of social media, there are significant hurdles to implementing a ban effectively.

CNBC

The Australian Online Safety Amendment Act, which took effect on December 10, 2025, mandates age verification for social media accounts and imposes hefty fines on companies that fail to comply. This legislation has sparked global interest, with countries like the UK, France, and Germany considering similar measures. Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of the UK-based campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood, emphasized the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis linked to social media, stating, “No one thinks the status quo is working for children, parents, or society.”

CNBC

Opposition to the proposed ban includes voices like Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, who cautioned against rushing into legislation without first assessing the outcomes of Australia's approach. Farage expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of bans, suggesting they often fail to achieve their intended goals. Additionally, Ian Russell, father of a teenager who tragically took her own life after exposure to harmful online content, criticized blanket bans as “sledgehammer-like techniques.”

The Telegraph - UK

The upcoming vote in the House of Lords will be a critical test for Starmer's leadership and the Labour Party's stance on this contentious issue. As the debate continues, the implications of such a ban on children's mental health and the responsibilities of social media companies remain at the forefront of discussions.

The Guardian

• “We believe the onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to prevent underage access. We would support a model similar to Australia’s that requires companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.” — Fred Thomas, Labour MP

The Guardian

• “Social media is catastrophically harming children and we must act now to protect them.” — Luciana Berger, former MP

The Guardian

• “Let us see how the Australian experiment works out before acting.” — Nigel Farage, Leader of Reform UK

The Telegraph - UK