Enforce a ban on harmful social media content for under 18’s
Enforce a ban on harmful social media content for under 18’s
Recent signers:
Alpa Day and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
My 14-year-old daughter has been battling anorexia nervosa since December 2025, and her illness led her to being extremely unwell in hospital. The cause of her struggles can be traced back to what she's been exposed to on social media platforms, specifically TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. These sites are flooded with content normalizing dangerously thin bodies, making it appear desirable, achievable, and even necessary for young people to alter their bodies in unhealthy ways.
In the UK, statistics reveal a worrying trend. According to the NHS, hospital admissions for eating disorders among young people have risen 37% in just two years, with a significant portion of this epidemic fueled by the unrealistic and harmful portrayals of body images on social media. Young minds are being bombarded with images and messages that encourage unhealthy dieting or exercise habits in pursuit of an unobtainable 'perfect' image.
It has reached a critical point, and I sincerely believe that stronger measures need to be implemented. I propose a comprehensive ban on social media content related to body image for those under 18. This includes any imagery, videos, or posts that promote or glamorize an unhealthy body standard, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, posting imagery showing dangerously underweight conditions should be made a criminal offense.
According to a 2024 report in The Guardian, the spread of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia content is unchecked and requires immediate intervention. The addictive nature of these platforms magnifies their impact, drawing vulnerable young people into a cycle that threatens their physical and mental health.
This action could reduce the exposure of harmful content, providing a safer digital environment for our children. Education in digital literacy and social media awareness can be complementary, but the first and foremost action is shielding our young generation from those dangerous messages.
By signing this petition, you join me in urging our legislators to take substantial steps to protect our children's mental and physical well-being by enforcing stricter social media regulations. Together, we can foster a secure and health-positive online space for the next generation. Sign today to demand change and save young lives.
In the UK, statistics reveal a worrying trend. According to the NHS, hospital admissions for eating disorders among young people have risen 37% in just two years, with a significant portion of this epidemic fueled by the unrealistic and harmful portrayals of body images on social media. Young minds are being bombarded with images and messages that encourage unhealthy dieting or exercise habits in pursuit of an unobtainable 'perfect' image.
It has reached a critical point, and I sincerely believe that stronger measures need to be implemented. I propose a comprehensive ban on social media content related to body image for those under 18. This includes any imagery, videos, or posts that promote or glamorize an unhealthy body standard, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, posting imagery showing dangerously underweight conditions should be made a criminal offense.
According to a 2024 report in The Guardian, the spread of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia content is unchecked and requires immediate intervention. The addictive nature of these platforms magnifies their impact, drawing vulnerable young people into a cycle that threatens their physical and mental health.
This action could reduce the exposure of harmful content, providing a safer digital environment for our children. Education in digital literacy and social media awareness can be complementary, but the first and foremost action is shielding our young generation from those dangerous messages.
By signing this petition, you join me in urging our legislators to take substantial steps to protect our children's mental and physical well-being by enforcing stricter social media regulations. Together, we can foster a secure and health-positive online space for the next generation. Sign today to demand change and save young lives.
Jenny Brooks-dayPetition Starter
303
Recent signers:
Alpa Day and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
My 14-year-old daughter has been battling anorexia nervosa since December 2025, and her illness led her to being extremely unwell in hospital. The cause of her struggles can be traced back to what she's been exposed to on social media platforms, specifically TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. These sites are flooded with content normalizing dangerously thin bodies, making it appear desirable, achievable, and even necessary for young people to alter their bodies in unhealthy ways.
In the UK, statistics reveal a worrying trend. According to the NHS, hospital admissions for eating disorders among young people have risen 37% in just two years, with a significant portion of this epidemic fueled by the unrealistic and harmful portrayals of body images on social media. Young minds are being bombarded with images and messages that encourage unhealthy dieting or exercise habits in pursuit of an unobtainable 'perfect' image.
It has reached a critical point, and I sincerely believe that stronger measures need to be implemented. I propose a comprehensive ban on social media content related to body image for those under 18. This includes any imagery, videos, or posts that promote or glamorize an unhealthy body standard, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, posting imagery showing dangerously underweight conditions should be made a criminal offense.
According to a 2024 report in The Guardian, the spread of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia content is unchecked and requires immediate intervention. The addictive nature of these platforms magnifies their impact, drawing vulnerable young people into a cycle that threatens their physical and mental health.
This action could reduce the exposure of harmful content, providing a safer digital environment for our children. Education in digital literacy and social media awareness can be complementary, but the first and foremost action is shielding our young generation from those dangerous messages.
By signing this petition, you join me in urging our legislators to take substantial steps to protect our children's mental and physical well-being by enforcing stricter social media regulations. Together, we can foster a secure and health-positive online space for the next generation. Sign today to demand change and save young lives.
In the UK, statistics reveal a worrying trend. According to the NHS, hospital admissions for eating disorders among young people have risen 37% in just two years, with a significant portion of this epidemic fueled by the unrealistic and harmful portrayals of body images on social media. Young minds are being bombarded with images and messages that encourage unhealthy dieting or exercise habits in pursuit of an unobtainable 'perfect' image.
It has reached a critical point, and I sincerely believe that stronger measures need to be implemented. I propose a comprehensive ban on social media content related to body image for those under 18. This includes any imagery, videos, or posts that promote or glamorize an unhealthy body standard, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, posting imagery showing dangerously underweight conditions should be made a criminal offense.
According to a 2024 report in The Guardian, the spread of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia content is unchecked and requires immediate intervention. The addictive nature of these platforms magnifies their impact, drawing vulnerable young people into a cycle that threatens their physical and mental health.
This action could reduce the exposure of harmful content, providing a safer digital environment for our children. Education in digital literacy and social media awareness can be complementary, but the first and foremost action is shielding our young generation from those dangerous messages.
By signing this petition, you join me in urging our legislators to take substantial steps to protect our children's mental and physical well-being by enforcing stricter social media regulations. Together, we can foster a secure and health-positive online space for the next generation. Sign today to demand change and save young lives.
Jenny Brooks-dayPetition Starter
302 people signed this week
303
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Petition created on 5 April 2026