Every day, I witness the troubling effects that smartphones and social media have on the mental health, sleep, confidence, and safety of young people around me. As a 16-year-old student who doesn’t use social media, this issue feels very personal to me because I see the difference every day between myself and other students at school and college. While many of my classmates are constantly on their phones—checking apps, scrolling, or worrying about what’s happening online—I’ve noticed how much it affects their mood, sleep, focus, and confidence.

I’m deeply concerned that the absence of clear legal age limits and robust regulations is exposing an entire generation to online harm, addiction, and dangerous content prematurely. Our children deserve protection and a healthy childhood, free from the constant pressure and risks of the online world.

Social media doesn’t just affect mental health — it can also put children in real physical danger. Dangerous online challenges, like those encouraging risky stunts or self-harm for attention, have been linked to the deaths of at least 24 children aged 12 and under worldwide. These harmful trends can spread rapidly on platforms that young people access daily, turning a simple click into a potentially life-threatening situation. This shows how unregulated social media exposes children not only to emotional stress but also to serious risks to their safety.

The UK’s youth are at risk, spending countless hours tethered to their screens, subject to the whims of profit-driven tech companies. Studies have shown that excessive screen time and early exposure to social media can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns. Furthermore, the allure of social media can replace essential real-world interactions and learning experiences, impacting children’s education and social skills.

We need immediate action from the UK government to introduce clear legal age limits for smartphone ownership and social media use. Countries like France and South Korea have already taken steps to ensure their young citizens are protected online by implementing age restrictions and tighter controls. It’s time for the UK to follow suit.

Concrete measures could include requiring age verification processes when setting up new social media accounts, imposing stricter advertising regulations targeted at children, and offering digital literacy programs in schools to educate both children and parents about online safety. By doing so, we can better equip our children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

I urge the UK government to prioritise our children’s mental health and educational development over corporate profits and unchecked screen time. Their right to a childhood free from undue stress and danger should come first. Please join me in calling for clear legal age limits and stronger regulations around smartphone and social media use. Sign this petition and make your voice heard for a safer, healthier future for our children.