UK Pledges Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s

The UK government has pledged to impose age or functionality restrictions on social media platforms for children under 16, regardless of the outcome of an ongoing public consultation, as parliamentarians debated the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill this week.

Education Minister Olivia Bailey announced the commitment late Monday in the House of Commons, following a fourth vote by peers in the House of Lords that afternoon supporting an outright ban on sites such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat for under-16s. The Lords approved the measure 316 to 165, intensifying pressure on ministers who have previously overturned similar amendments three times. Bailey stated that the government would place a statutory requirement on the education secretary to act after the consultation concludes, focusing on addictive features, harmful algorithmically driven content and other risks. She emphasized, "Let us be clear, the status quo cannot continue," adding that restrictions such as curfews would be considered in addition to age or functionality limits.

The move comes amid widespread concerns about young people's exposure to harmful online content, excessive screen time and addictive...