Social media restrictions for under-16s even if no ban, minister says
Source: BBC Technology
Published: 2 hours ago
By Richard Wheeler, Politics reporter
Edited by André Rhoden‑Paul
Key points
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says the government is committed to social‑media restrictions for under‑16s, but ministers must “make sure it works” before any changes are introduced.
- Junior education minister Olivia Bailey has confirmed that the government will “impose some form of age or functionality restrictions” even if it stops short of a full ban.
- Campaigners are calling for an Australia‑style ban on children’s use of social media, yet the effectiveness of such a prohibition remains in question.
- The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is at the centre of a stand‑off between the government and the House of Lords.
Recent parliamentary developments
- Monday – The government tabled further amendments to break the deadlock in the Bill. One amendment would give ministers the power to introduce a future ban, but it does not meet the Lords’ more aggressive timetable.
- Vote – MPs backed the government’s changes 272 to 64. The Bill now returns to the Lords for what is expected to be its final consideration before receiving Royal Assent.
Ministerial statements
“Let us be clear: the status quo cannot continue. We are consulting on the mechanism and that is the right thing to do.
But 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.” – Olivia Bailey, Commons
Bailey added that the government is “focused on addictive features, harmful algorithmically‑driven content and features.”
What the consultation may reveal
- Whether children should have unrestricted access to AI chat‑bots.
- Whether age‑verification rules need to be strengthened.
The consultation closes on 26 May, after which the government will be under a legal commitment to act.
Existing regulatory framework
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Online Safety Act – Requires platforms to assess and mitigate safety risks to children, including:
- Content‑recommendation algorithms.
- Predictive search functions.
- Age‑appropriate experiences.
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Social‑media giants such as Meta have already begun implementing controls to comply with the Act and avoid a potential under‑16 ban.
“Many campaigners argue existing rules and actions have fallen short of delivering the protections children need for safer, healthier experiences online.”
Further reading
Next steps
Olivia Bailey (Minister for Children’s Wellbeing and Schools)
- A “progress report” must be produced three months after the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill receives Royal Assent.
- “Our intention is to quickly produce a response following the consultation.”
- “After that we will have 12 months to lay regulations, but our firm intention is to move faster and, as Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has made clear, we aim to do this before the end of the year.”
- In “exceptional circumstances” the government could extend the timeline by a further six months, but it would have to explain the reason to Parliament.
Bridget Phillipson (BBC Breakfast)
“There are a range of views on what measures to impose among campaigners, and the consultation will determine the shape of that action.”
Laura Trott (Shadow Education Secretary) – after Monday’s vote
“There is now a commitment on the floor of the House from the government that they will impose an age restriction for children under‑16.”
“This is a huge step forward in keeping children safe and supporting parents in their fight against screens destroying children’s lives.”
Sir Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat leader) – on BBC Breakfast
“I think this is just an excuse for the government not to take action. They could have set a timetable in law to force their hand. They need to have moved faster.”
“If you look at the mental‑health impact on children, the devastation it has caused for some families, I’m afraid kicking the can is not an answer. We need action and we need it in the next 12 months.”
Lord Nash (Conservative former schools minister and academy‑chain founder)
- Thanked the government for promising to act and said:
“We will now all turn our attention – together – to making sure this is implemented as soon as possible in the best way to protect our children.”
- Also thanked bereaved parents for their support in the campaign.
Ellen Roome (Cheltenham campaigner, mother of Jools Sweeney, 14)
- “I am so pleased the government has committed to taking action.”
- “There are parents who are absolutely delighted; there were a lot of tears last night.”
- “We’ve just done as much as we can to say ‘please make a difference for everybody else’s children as it’s too late for us.’”
Andy Burrows (Chief Executive, Molly Rose Foundation)
“We welcome the decision, but it must go beyond a blanket ban, which offers limited action and a false sense of safety to parents.”
“It’s crucial that tech companies are forced to act to make their products safe as a result of the consultation.”
Additional reporting by Liv McMahon