Senior Labour figures are bracing for what they describe as a "politically inept" reversal of government policy, as ministers come under intense pressure to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16.
Cross-Party Pressure Forces Government's Hand
The government, which has until now been reluctant to endorse such a prohibition, is facing a concerted push from both its own backbenchers and the official Opposition. Dozens of Labour MPs are actively urging ministers to adopt an Australia-style ban, Sky News understands.
The political heat intensified on Thursday 16 January 2026, when the Conservative Party tabled a significant amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Their proposal would legally require social media platforms to deploy "highly-effective age assurance measures" to block under-16s from their services.
This amendment, which enjoys cross-party backing from figures like former Labour MP turned peer Luciana Berger, is scheduled for a vote in the House of Lords on Monday. If successful there, it would pave the way for a decisive debate in the House of Commons.
Labour Rebellion Looms as MPs Demand Action
One Labour MP told Sky News there was "no way" the government could instruct its MPs to vote against such a measure, predicting that a majority of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) supports the ban. They argued that Number 10 will seek to avoid a major backbench rebellion similar to recent disputes over welfare policy.
While some MPs are pushing for the government to table its own, potentially more consultative amendment, others expressed frustration at further delays. "I'm sick of consultations," said one MP, "the government should just get on with it."
Prominent voices within the party are adding to the momentum. Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, stated: "MPs across the political spectrum recognise the harm that social media is causing to our young people... I very much hope we will see a similar model [to Australia] implemented here." Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, echoed concerns for child safety online.
Signs of a Softening Stance in Government
Publicly, the government's position has begun to shift. The Prime Minister recently declined to rule out a ban, stating "all options are on the table." Health Secretary Wes Streeting has strongly hinted at his personal support, acknowledging the "strong case for action" and the damaging impact of "doomscrolling" on child development.
Ministers have previously pointed to the Australian experiment, which became the world's first nationwide under-16 social media ban in December 2025, as a case study they are monitoring closely. However, with Conservative plans forcing a parliamentary showdown and significant internal Labour pressure, the path now appears set for a major policy change.
The coming week's votes in the Lords, and potentially the Commons, will determine whether the UK follows Australia's lead in imposing one of the world's strictest online age restrictions.
