Fresh breakthrough in plans to curb social media for under-16s in UK as peers end stand-off with MPs
A parliamentary deadlock over social media restrictions for under-16s in the UK has been resolved after the House of Lords dropped opposition following a government commitment to implement age or functionality limits regardless of consultation outcomes. The government pledged to act within a 12-month timeline, with a progress report due in three months. The move was welcomed by campaigners and grieving parents, though concerns remain about the pace of implementation. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said restriction proposals would be released before summer, aiming for legislation by year-end.
- ▪The UK government committed to imposing social media restrictions for under-16s regardless of the ongoing public consultation's outcome.
- ▪The House of Lords ended its opposition to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill after the government promised binding action on youth social media access.
- ▪Restrictions will target addictive features, harmful algorithm-driven content, and stranger pairing, with possible curfews under consideration.
- ▪A 12-month timeline for regulations was set, with a three-month progress report and only one allowable six-month extension in exceptional cases.
- ▪Campaigners and families of children harmed by online content welcomed the commitment but stressed the need to match promises with swift, detailed action.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsUKUK PoliticsFresh breakthrough in plans to curb social media for under-16s in UK as peers end stand-off with MPsPeers stood down on Tuesday after ministers announced they would impose social media restrictions for young people regardless of the outcome of the current consultationGeorge Thompson Tuesday 28 April 2026 20:12 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966689","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-social-media-ban-under-16-government-peers-b2966689.html","title":"Fresh breakthrough in plans to curb social…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Independent.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Independent
