UK Lawmakers Consider Raising Social Media Age Limit To 16

Efforts to restrict social media use for children under 16 have advanced in the UK, with legislative and policy steps underway and comparisons being drawn to measures recently adopted in Australia.

On 21 January 2026, the House of Lords voted in favour of an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would prohibit social media access for children below the age of 16. The amendment, introduced by Conservative peer Lord Nash and supported across party lines, passed with 261 votes in favour and 150 against, and now proceeds to the House of Commons for further consideration.

The UK government has also initiated a three-month consultation to gather views on whether to implement a ban on social media use for those under 16. This consultation includes examining the approach taken by Australia, which recently set its minimum age for social media accounts at 16, and considers raising the UK’s digital age of consent from 13 to 16.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that all policy options remain under review as the government evaluates the outcomes of Australia’s recent legislation. The government’s consideration of international models forms part of its broader review of online safety measures for children.

What the numbers show

• 261 members of the House of Lords voted in favour of the amendment
• 150 members of the House of Lords voted against the amendment
• Australia’s ban on under-16s using social media began in December 2025

Australia implemented its ban under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which took effect in December 2025. The UK consultation is considering whether to adopt a similar model or to develop an alternative approach tailored to national needs.

More than 60 Labour Members of Parliament have written to Prime Minister Starmer, urging support for setting the minimum age for social media use at 16. This correspondence reflects ongoing discussions among lawmakers regarding the appropriate age threshold for online platforms.

Public support for the Lords amendment has also been documented, with a letter signed by several public figures, including actor Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey. Esther Ghey’s daughter, Brianna, was murdered in 2023, and her involvement in the letter highlights the engagement of individuals affected by online safety issues.

The proposed changes to social media age limits are now subject to parliamentary debate and public consultation. The outcome will depend on legislative review in the House of Commons and the results of the government’s consultation process.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.