Petition
Make it a criminal offence to film or photograph a child u18 in a public place
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
Make it a specific criminal offence to intentionally film or photograph a child under 18 in a public place. without the knowledge or consent of the child or their parent/guardian.
This should cover targeted filming of underage girls and the filming of violent incidents involving young people, which are causing growing concern. While general public filming would remain legal, deliberately focusing on minors without consent would become an offence, giving police clearer powers to act and deterring exploitation or harassment.
Exceptions could apply for legitimate purposes like news reporting or family videos, but the core principle is protecting children’s privacy and safety in everyday public spaces.
Exceptions could apply for legitimate purposes like news reporting or family videos, but the core principle is protecting children’s privacy and safety in everyday public spaces.
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:
Make it illegal to photograph minors in public without parental consent.
Make it illegal to photograph minors in public without parental consent.
Make it illegal to photograph minors in public without parental consent.
Make it illegal to photograph minors in public without parental consent.
Timeline
| 14 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 5 May 2026 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
5 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.