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Closed Make it illegal for under 18s to buy or own a mobile phone

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With data showing a steady rise in young people experiencing mental health problems, we believe the Government should impose a legal age limit on ownership of a mobile phone, similar to age limits for addictive substances such as alcohol and tobacco.

Mobile phones and young people seem to be a dangerous mix. The rise in addictive behaviour, children seeing explicit materials online, peer on peer abuse, sexting, mental health issues linked to social media, cyber bullying and peer pressure is directly linked to children using smart phones. Therefore is it time phones were given an age restriction. To own you own mobile phone a person should be required to show ID to prove they were over the age of 18.

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  • Related activity

    MPs debate the impact of smartphones and social media on children

    MPs held a debate on the impact of smartphones and social media on children on Tuesday 14 May in Westminster Hall. The debate was led by Miriam Cates MP.

    The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Saqib Bhatti MP, responded on behalf of the Government.

    What is a Westminster Hall debate?

    Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

    Visual explainer: Westminster Hall debates

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    This petition will stay open until 23 June 2022.