Petition · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Ban social media for under 16s
Open for signatures
612 signatures
What the petition asks
Protect children now. Introduce immediate legislation banning access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16, with strict enforcement and penalties for breaches. We think this would help stop instances like the "blue vs red" conflict on social media led by school kids.
We ask the Government to legislate the following without delay:
A mandatory minimum age of 16 for all social media platforms operating in the UK.
Compulsory and verifiable age verification systems enforced by law.
Escalating sanctions for repeat breaches, including service restrictions or bans.
Independent oversight to audit compliance and protect children’s safety and wellbeing.
A mandatory minimum age of 16 for all social media platforms operating in the UK.
Compulsory and verifiable age verification systems enforced by law.
Escalating sanctions for repeat breaches, including service restrictions or bans.
Independent oversight to audit compliance and protect children’s safety and wellbeing.
Timeline
| 7 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
612
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Opened
7 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.