The Conservatives have been fighting alongside bereaved families, parents and young people to ban social media for under-16s.
On 15th June, Keir Starmer finally announced a ban on social media for under-16s after months of delay.
This will help parents and, crucially, protect our children from the harms of social media.
The Conservatives have forced the government into a U-turn that will protect children from the harms of social media. The Conservatives welcome the Prime Minister finally listening to the voices of brave bereaved parents, health professionals, campaigners, and children themselves.
Labour MPs voted against Conservative proposals to ban social media for under-16s on three occasions, which Dr Neil Hudson MP voted in favour of all three times, but on 15 June 2026, Keir Starmer has U-turned and backed our plans.
Dr Hudson has longed championed the voices of parents, young people and teachers across Epping Forest, who have been calling on the Government to do more to protect children from the intrusive impacts of the online world that they face every day, such as impacts on their behaviour, wellbeing and mental health.
Dr Hudson has made their voices heard in the House of Commons Chamber, as well as documenting the clear scientific evidence about its impacts, supporting the policy of the Leader of the Opposition to ban smartphones in schools, which you can see here: https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/epping-forest-mp-calls-government-action-smartphones-schools-support-epping-forests-young
This campaign was a successful one, with the Government confirming this year they will be doing this.
The Government announced there will be a full ban on social media for under-16s on major platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
When the practical details of the ban are published, the Opposition will examine them closely to ensure they truly honour the voices of parents, young people, teachers and campaigners who want our young people protected online in reality.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, Dr Neil Hudson said:
“Despite the delay, we Conservatives welcome the announcement of the Government’s U-turn on a social media ban for under-16s.
“Labour tried to kick this issue into the long grass, but because of the hard work of campaigners, and the hundreds of parents and young people making their voices heard here in Epping Forest and across the county, the Government has had to listen and announce these measures that will protect our young people.”
“Only the Conservatives have the team and the plan to put the interests of our children first.”
Laura Trott MP, Shadow Education Secretary, said:
“It’s shameful that it’s taken the Prime Minister’s job to be on the line for the government to finally U-turn and ban social media for under-16s.
“Three times Labour voted against a ban, failing to stand up to Big Tech and protect children from the extreme content they are exposed to every day.
“As Conservatives we did not give up, I kept fighting for the brave bereaved parents, health professionals, and campaigners who continued to make the case for change. This victory belongs to them. The Conservatives in opposition can make a difference and this change will finally help parents and protect childhood.”
