Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWill Meakin-DurrantThursday 16 April 2026 06:32 BSTLiz Kendall announces three-month consultation into under-16s social media banMPs have, for a second time, rejected calls for a default ban on children accessing social media, instead backing the government's more flexible approach.The House of Commons voted 256 to 150 to support the government's plan, which is part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.The new adaptable powers could allow ministers to implement curfews, set scrolling limits, restrict location sharing, and potentially block under-16s from specific platforms.A public consultation is currently underway until 26 May to help ministers determine the precise actions to be taken.The rejected default ban was championed by Conservative peer Lord Nash, who has vowed to continue pressing for his amendment, while opposition MPs urged the government to act swiftly once powers are gained.In fullMPs reject social media ban for under-16s a second timeThank 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