We urge the UK Government to enforce 16 age-restricted social media access.
The rise of social media exposes UK children under 16 to harmful content, cyberbullying, grooming, and data exploitation. Existing laws lack mandatory age verification and enforcement. Urgent UK reforms are needed to protect children’s mental health and safety.
Signatures
21
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000
- 12 FEB 2025Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action: Introduce 16 as the minimum age for children to have social media https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700086
- 20 DEC 2024Petition created
Background
The rise of social media has exposed children under 16 to significant risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and data exploitation. Studies reveal increased anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological harm linked to unregulated online exposure.