As a father of four children aged 9 to 23, I find myself increasingly concerned about the dangers that lie within the world of social media. Every day, hundreds, if not thousands, of children are targeted by sexual predators online, and the thought of one of my children being persuaded to meet someone they've interacted with on social media terrifies me. Sadly, this nightmare is a reality for some families.

This is why I'm advocating for a change—a significant one. If the age limit for joining social media platforms like Facebook and others were raised to at least 17 years old, we could protect countless children from potential harm. At this age, teenagers are more capable of understanding the risks associated with social media and are more likely to make informed choices about who they interact with online.

Social media companies have a responsibility to protect their youngest users, and a higher age limit could significantly reduce the vulnerability of children to online predators. Research shows that children are increasingly exposed to dangerous individuals online, and in most cases, they lack the necessary maturity to handle such encounters safely.

Furthermore, by raising the age limit, we encourage youths to engage more in face-to-face interactions and activities that promote their growth and well-being, away from the sometimes-toxic virtual environment of social media.

This change is not merely about setting a numeric limit; it's about prioritising the safety and future of our children. It's about acknowledging the real threat that exists and taking decisive action to mitigate it.

Please join me in urging social media companies and legislators to increase the age limit for social media platforms to at least 17 years old. Together, we can make a dramatic change in the world and ensure a safer future for our children. Your support is crucial. Sign this petition and help protect our kids.