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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Ban smartphones for under-18s, starting with 11-12 year olds

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Ban smartphones for under-18s; start with current 11-12 year olds and continue for 5 years until illegal for all under-18s. A variety of mobile phones that cannot connect to the internet are available, containing a lot of functionality without the harms that internet connectivity can bring.

Smartphone usage can leads to social media addiction. This has been proven to significantly harm the mental health of young people.

Smartphone usage is linked to other harms: Exposure to violent imagery; Pornography; Extremist material; Underage gambling; Online bullying and harassment; Harmful Sexual Behaviour; Harmful content such as self-harm and suicide advice.

We believe this new law would be welcomed by the vast majority of parents and help protect children.

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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 7 April 2023.