As a Primary School Teacher and a parent of two preschool children, I am deeply concerned about the impacts of social media on our young generation. Seeing the adverse effects of premature exposure to this digital world, I believe it's time to take a stand. This petition is to prohibit social media access for children under 16. 

Research indicates that social media can have adverse effects on the mental health of children at such a tender age, increasing the likelihood of conditions like depression and anxiety (Source: National Institute of Mental Health, USA). We should not forget the risks of cyberbullying, which affects around 7% of kids in the UK (Source: NSPCC).

In addition to this, the digital age inhibits the development of vital interpersonal skills and displaces important childhood activities, such as outdoor play and face-to-face socialization. It's pivotal we create a safe, healthy environment for our children to grow up in.

The digital world undoubtedly carries benefits as a tool for education and connectivity, but the dark side of social media can be too damaging for our young ones. I don’t believe the restrictions from the government released today go far enough and a law to prohibit access to social media for under 16s would change the culture in our country and the pressures on children to join up to these platforms. We, as a society, deem alcohol and cigarettes as inappropriate for children as it has adverse effects on their health. The government should also apply this protection of children’s health to social media. 

Please sign and share this petition which I created after watching Adolescence this weekend. If Stephen Graham can do his bit in changing the public’s consciousness of the pressures on our young people then we can all do a little bit too. Let's stand up together for our children's well-being. 

By signing this petition, we implore the UK Government to impose age restrictions on social media usage, prioritizing our children's mental health and well-being over corporate interests. Please, sign and spread the word. Our children deserve a carefree childhood, not an early confrontation with adult challenges.