House of Lords Backs Ban on Social Media for Under-16s

The House of Lords has backed a ban on under-16s using social media in the UK, as part of a new amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Under the amendment, social media platforms will be required to introduce “highly effective” age checks to prevent anyone under the age of 16 from creating accounts. The government will have 12 months from the passage of the act to ensure these measures are fully implemented.
Supporters of the amendment argue that younger users are particularly vulnerable to online harms, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and the pressures of social media on mental health. By enforcing stricter age checks, lawmakers aim to provide greater protection for children online.
Social media companies are expected to face scrutiny over compliance, with concerns raised that enforcement and verification systems need to be robust enough to prevent underage users from bypassing restrictions.
The move reflects growing concerns in the UK over the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing, and aligns with recent campaigns advocating for stronger regulation of online platforms.