UK MPs vote against outright ban on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat for minors
MPs have rejected a full Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, instead supporting a system of flexible ministerial powers.
Australia became the first country to implement such a ban on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat at the end of last year, and a similar proposal had backing from peers in the House of Lords in January.
Supporters of a ban include actor Hugh Grant, while critics, including the children’s charity NSPCC, warn that restricting access could push young people toward less regulated corners of the internet.
The Liberal Democrats criticized the Commons’ decision, saying the government’s refusal to commit to a ban is “simply not good enough.”
Opposition also comes from Molly Russell’s father. Molly, 14, died by suicide after viewing harmful online content, and he argued that authorities should focus on stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than new bans.
The ban proposal was part of suggested amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. However, Education Minister Olivia Bailey urged MPs to reject a blanket ban in favor of more flexible restrictions.
“Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban on social media for under-16s,” Bailey said. “Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could push children toward less regulated parts of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared for when they do go online. That’s why the government launched a consultation last week to gather views to shape next steps, ensuring children can develop a safer and healthier relationship with the online world.”
The consultation will examine whether social media platforms should enforce minimum age requirements and consider disabling addictive features like autoplay.
Under Bailey’s alternative plan, Science Secretary Liz Kendall would have the authority to restrict or ban social media access for children of certain ages, limit harmful or addictive features, control children’s VPN use, and adjust the digital consent age in the UK.
In a Commons vote, MPs rejected the Lords’ proposal for a full ban by 307 to 173, backing Bailey’s flexible approach, leaving the possibility of future restrictions open. More than 100 Labour MPs abstained, including Sadik Al-Hassan of North Somerset. He compared social media to a harmful drug, arguing that if platforms were causing measurable harm, strict controls would be implemented.
“Parents like me are locked in a daily struggle with platforms engineered to keep children hooked,” Al-Hassan said. “If a drug caused this level of harm, it would be restricted or withdrawn. We have evidence of harm, we know the source, and we have the power to act, the same logic should apply to social media.”
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson condemned the government’s stance, saying, “The failure to commit to a ban on harmful social media is simply not good enough. Families need concrete assurances now, and we must ensure the consultation doesn’t lead to further delay.”
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