Hundreds of Northumberland parents call for social media age to be raised to 16

The government has recently consulted on how to improve children’s relationships with mobile phones and social media, including a ban on social media for children.

The petition, which gathered over 110,000 signatures across the UK, was delivered to 10 Downing Street by members of the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) movement.

“Social media is becoming ever more addictive, more toxic, and more harmful to our kids – and families in Northumberland have had enough,” said Becca Smith, SFC Northumberland regional leader.

“Policy hasn’t kept up with the rate of technological change, and while tech companies are cashing in, it’s families and children who are losing out. What we need is swift, decisive action from government to reset the system so that all kids are protected.”

She says the volume of petition signatures reflect growing concern among families that the current system is not working.

“A generation of children is being damaged by social media,” said Becca. “Parents can see it. Schools can see it,” said Becca. “This consultation is a real chance to fix something that families across the country are struggling with.”

The petition calls for a simple, common sense reset: If social media companies want access to under-16s, they must prove their platforms are safe and age-appropriate first.

Alongside the petition, more than 900 local parents have now signed a Parent Pact, agreeing to delay smartphones until at least 14 and social media until 16.

The government is expected to announce a policy within weeks.