Minister promises 'some form' of social media restrictions for under-16s as bill advances

Conservative former schools minister Lord Nash, who led calls for a social media ban in the Lords, thanked the government for acting. He added that bereaved parents supported the campaign, saying their involvement helped safety for all children.

Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott described the proposals as a 'huge step forward in keeping children safe' and said the restrictions would be in addition to curfews. Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson noted the timeline could take up to 21 months, while saying the government has room to move quickly on such issues.

The government outlined timelines tied to royal assent: a progress report must be made three months after royal assent; there will be 12 months to lay regulations, with a firm intention to move faster and complete before the end of the year; in exceptional circumstances the timeline could be extended by up to six months with justification to Parliament.

Ministers proposed further amendments on Monday evening as they sought to end the stand-off with peers over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Education Minister Olivia Bailey told MPs that the government would impose some form of age or functionality restrictions for children under 16 and that action would follow the consultation on an Australia-style ban. She said curfews could be added 'in addition not instead of this' and that the government would focus on addictive features and harmful algorithmically-driven content.

Peers in the House of Lords voted in support of a social media ban for under-16s for a fourth time on Monday afternoon.

In the House of Commons, MPs supported the government’s motion by 272 votes to 64. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was sent back to the Lords for what looks to be its final consideration before royal assent and enactment into law.