Petition

Protect Our Children's Mental Health: Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

We call on the government to follow Australia’s lead and ban children under 16 from accessing social media. Platforms expose kids to risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and addiction, fueling anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Why This is Critical:

1. Mental Health Crisis: Social media use in kids is linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Setting a minimum age gives children time to develop healthy self-perception before facing online pressures.


2. Cognitive Development: Social media disrupts focus, social skills, and offline engagement. Restricting access helps kids grow in healthier environments.

This policy shields children from stress and harmful influences, fostering a generation better prepared for life’s challenges. Sign to protect our youth.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

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
Introduce 16 as the minimum age for children to have social media

Timeline

15 Dec 2024 Petition opened for signatures
10 Feb 2025 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 10 Feb 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.