Open petition: Make it compulsory for children to wear gloves ice skating
Created by Chloe Lewis
Closes on
I'd like to for the law to be changed so children are only permitted to ice skate if wearing protective gloves to protect their hands. The blades are so sharp.
25,919 signatures
Petition progress
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Government responded to this petition
The safety and welfare of those taking part in ice skating is absolutely paramount. We have no plans to change the law. The terms and conditions for ice skating are decided on a venue-by-venue basis.
Read the response in full
The safety and welfare of everyone taking part in sport and recreational activities is absolutely paramount. The Government understands the concerns of those who wish to ensure that recreational activities are as safe as possible for participants, including children and young people.
Temporary and permanent ice rinks are vital attractions that pull diverse audiences into the heart of our high streets. These ice rinks go beyond providing recreation; they ignite the local ecosystem, fueling secondary spend in nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels. By enriching a destination’s visitor offer, they turn a simple visit into a memorable experience, sustaining the vitality of our regions.
The Health and Safety Executive advises people to not take part in a recreational activity if it is believed that activity is not safe. However, individuals have the right to make their own choices, and parents and guardians are free to exercise that right on behalf of the children and young people they are responsible for where appropriate.
The terms and conditions for ice skating are decided on a venue-by-venue basis. The Government has no plans to change the law to make it compulsory for children to wear gloves while ice skating.
The majority of ice skating activity does not take place in a structured sporting environment. However, for sport skating, participants should refer to safety guidance issued by the relevant national governing body. British Ice Skating is the national governing body for ice skating within the United Kingdom.
The Government will continue to discuss participant safety with sports and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone, including children and young people, can take part in sport as safely as possible.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Government will respond to this petition
This petition got more than 10,000 signatures meaning that government will respond to it.
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Petition published
This petition can now be signed.
If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.
If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
This petition will stay open until 17 August 2026.