Do not ban social media for under-16s. Ban for under-11s until they turn 16.

Open for signatures 19 signatures

What the petition asks

Rather than flat out banning social media for under-16s, it should be a gradual ban, currently banning under-11s who do not have social media as part of their daily routine until they turn 16. This is similar to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

11-16 year olds currently have social media as part of their daily routine. It would be unfair to ban it so abruptly. A vast group of people also use social media to dissociate from real world problems and may have no other source of happiness. Unless the government specifically have a solution to this problem, it would completely disregard the emotions of these people. The technology to currently handle this issue is non-existent. A wait could allow said technology to be developed adequately.

Timeline

28 Jul 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 19

Status Open for signatures

Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Opened 28 Jul 2026

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