Rejected petition Not Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Banning social media for under-16s oversimplifies a complex issue. It cuts off connection, creativity and support, pushes use underground, and fails to teach safe digital habits. Education, safeguards and guidance work better than bans for young people today. This helps teens grow responsibly online

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Banning social media for under-16s ignores how central it is to modern life. Young people use it to communicate, learn, be creative and find support. A ban would push usage underground, remove guidance, and widen gaps for isolated teens. Teaching digital skills, enforcing safety rules, and involving parents is far more effective than restricting access altogether. It prepares teens for adulthood. It also encourages responsibility, resilience, and informed choices in an increasingly digital world

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.

You may wish to sign this petition, which calls for the same action: "Do not ban social media for under 16s" https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/757233

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 16 January 2026
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