Health & Lifestyle | Posted on January 23rd, 2026 | return to news

Dorset MP backs social media ban for under-16s

Vikki Slade, the MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has responded to plans for a ban currently making its way through Parliament.

A Dorset MP has responded after the House of Lords voted in favour of banning social media for under-16s as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The amendment is expected to return to the House of Commons in the coming weeks, alongside a government consultation on children’s access to social media and mobile phones.

Dorset MP Vikki Slade, who attended the Commons debate on the ban, said: “The vote reflected growing concern about the harm unregulated online content is causing children and young people.”

Slade’s party, the Liberal Democrats, has instead proposed a film-style age classification system for social media, rating online platforms based on the risk they pose. The MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole supports this proposal, but also says that she, like many parents and campaigners, would prefer a ban to the current system, which potentially exposes children to harmful online content.

Slade said: “Many of our children have seen the most horrific things online and have not even told us. My own son was sent disgusting images of mutilated animals at the age of 12, and I only found out through a third party.

“Too often, dangerous content is pushed at children through algorithms without warning, consent or safeguards. The current free-for-all is simply not good enough.”

If the government goes ahead with a consultation on children’s access to social media and mobile phones, Slade said she will encourage parents, young people, teachers and mental health professionals in her constituency to take part, and will also be holding local round-table discussions to ensure residents’ views are heard.

She added: “We need a system that genuinely protects children while listening to families, educators and young people themselves. I am determined to make sure Dorset voices are part of that conversation.”