Education Minister Olivia Bailey Confirms Social Media Age Restrictions for Under-16s
Education Minister Olivia Bailey has confirmed the government's intention to "impose some form of age or functionality restrictions" on social media access for individuals under 16. This declaration was made as ministers proposed amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aiming to resolve an impasse with the House of Lords.
On Monday afternoon, the House of Lords had voted for the fourth time in favour of a comprehensive social media ban for under-16s. However, the government's latest proposals gained support from MPs, with a vote of 272 to 64, sending the Bill back to the Lords for what is anticipated to be its concluding stage before receiving Royal Assent.
Ms Bailey, addressing the Commons, refrained from providing precise details on the forthcoming measures. However, she affirmed a legal commitment to act once a consultation on an Australia-style ban concludes. She stressed, "the status quo cannot continue," and stated that "under any outcome we will impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16." She added that considerations for features like curfews would be in addition to, not instead of, these restrictions.
The Minister indicated a focus on "addictive features, harmful algorithmically-driven content and features." A progress report is mandated three months post-Royal Assent, with regulations intended to be laid within 12 months, though the government aims to expedite this process, potentially before the end of the year.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the government's proposals as a "huge step forward in keeping children safe." Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson, while acknowledging some movement, criticised the potential 21-month timeline for full implementation, urging swifter action.
