UK considers scrapping under-16 social media ban | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWill Meakin-DurrantWednesday 04 March 2026 08:21 GMTHow do young people feel about the U16 social media ban?The government is facing criticism for its approach to protecting children from harmful social media content.A proposed blanket ban on social media for under-16s, previously supported by the House of Lords, is facing potential reversal next week.Instead, the government is pushing for an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, suggesting adaptable powers to restrict children from "specified internet services" rather than a strict age limit.John Nash, who steered the ban in law through the Upper House, described the government's revised proposal as a "blank cheque" and urged MPs to vote for his earlier proposal to raise the age limit to 16.The government has also launched an online safety consultation, inviting public input on issues such as minimum age requirements and the disabling of addictive features on social media platforms.In fullGovernment slammed as proposed social media ban for under-16s set to be axedThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in