Labour MPs Urge Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Growing UK Debate

Labour MPs Call for Under-16 Social Media Ban

More than 60 Labour MPs have formally urged party leader Sir Keir Starmer to support a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16 in the United Kingdom. The call, detailed in a letter organised by Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, highlights concerns over the detrimental impact of unregulated and addictive online platforms on young people. The MPs cited that children are becoming 'anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning,' and are 'not building the social skills needed to thrive'. They also noted that 'five hours of daily social media access doubles boys' depression rates and trebles girls' rates'.

The letter advocates for an 'Australia-style' ban, which would place the responsibility on technology platforms, rather than parents, to enforce age limits and prevent underage access. Australia implemented a similar ban in December.

Government Launches Consultation as Lords Prepare for Vote

In response to mounting pressure, the UK government has launched a consultation on whether to introduce a ban on social media for under-16s. Announced on January 19, 2026, by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, the consultation will explore various measures, including the feasibility of an age limit, enforcement mechanisms, restricting tech companies' access to young users' data, and limiting addictive features such as 'infinite scrolling'. Kendall stated that while the Online Safety Act 2023 has already established protections, 'parents still have serious concerns,' necessitating further action.

Concurrently, the House of Lords is set to vote on an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill this week. This cross-party amendment, led by Conservative peer Lord Nash and supported by figures such as Baroness Benjamin, Baroness Berger, and paediatrician Baroness Cass, aims to enact a social media ban for under-16s within a year of the bill's passage.

Diverse Perspectives on a Potential Ban

While Sir Keir Starmer has indicated he is 'open to the idea' of a ban, he has also stated that 'no options are off the table' and that he wishes to assess evidence from Australia's implementation before making a definitive decision. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the strong arguments for a ban but also raised concerns, shared by organisations like the NSPCC, that a blanket ban could potentially 'push children to darker, less-regulated places on the internet'.

The NSPCC and the Internet Watch Foundation have co-authored an open letter opposing blanket bans, arguing that such measures could create a 'false sense of safety' and fail to deliver the necessary improvements in children's online safety and wellbeing. They advocate for robust enforcement of existing laws for under-13s and evidence-based blocks on risky features across platforms. High-profile figures, including Esther Ghey, mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, have publicly backed the proposed ban. The Liberal Democrats have put forward an alternative proposal, suggesting film-style age ratings for online services, which would restrict platforms with addictive algorithmic feeds or inappropriate content to users over 16.