On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the House of Lords—the UK’s Upper House of Parliament—voted 261 to 150 in favour of an amendment to ban under-16s from using social media platforms. The move ramps up the pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to follow Australia’s lead, where under-16s have been barred from social media since December 10, 2025.
The amendment, introduced by Conservative peer John Nash and co-sponsored by a Labour and a Liberal Democrat peer, passed despite Downing Street’s warning that the government would reject the change. Nash celebrated the result, saying “Tonight, peers put our children’s future first,” and argued the ban is needed to halt the “catastrophic harm” social media inflicts on young people.
Starmer, speaking earlier this week, said he’s not ruling out any options to protect children online but wants to wait for a public consultation due to conclude in summer 2026 before taking legislative action. More than 60 Labour MPs have urged him to back the ban now.
Next, the amendment heads to the House of Commons—the Lower House controlled by Labour—where MPs will debate whether to enact the measure into law. Supporters hope the Commons will mirror the Lords’ vote and set the UK on a new path in digital youth safety.
As social media giants face growing calls to tighten age checks and bolt digital gates, many parents and educators are watching closely. Will the UK become the next country to raise the age limit on social media? Stay tuned! 📱🛡️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
