London, March 10, 2026 (Agencies) — UK MPs have rejected proposals to impose a blanket ban on social media use for under-16s, opting instead to grant ministers more flexible powers to regulate children’s online activity.
The proposed ban, modeled on measures introduced in Australia last year, would have blocked access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for children. Peers in the House of Lords had backed similar plans in January, with actor Hugh Grant among supporters.
However, critics including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) warned that a blanket ban could push young people into less regulated corners of the internet. The father of Molly Russell, who died at 14 after viewing harmful content online, also opposed the measure, urging stronger enforcement of existing laws instead.
The Conservatives argued that the situation represented an “emergency” requiring urgent legislation to protect children. The Liberal Democrats criticized the government’s refusal to commit to a ban, describing it as “simply not good enough.”
Education minister Olivia Bailey told MPs the government preferred a more flexible approach.
“Many parents and campaign groups have called for an outright ban,” she said. “Others, including children’s charities, have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online.”
Bailey confirmed that the government has launched a consultation to gather views on how best to ensure children develop a safer, healthier relationship with the online world.
The proposal had been put forward as an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill but was dismissed in the Commons on Monday.