Thousands of Buckinghamshire parents back social media ban for under 16s

The petition, launched by campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood, has already attracted more than 100,000 signatures nationwide, piling pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to raise the social media age limit to 16.

It comes as the Government’s consultation into children and social media enters its final weeks. Campaigners say families in Bucks are fed up with the impact social media is having on young people, warning that childhood is increasingly being replaced by “doomscrolling in isolation”.

Alexa Varah, one of the group’s Buckinghamshire regional leaders, said: “Social media is becoming ever more addictive, more toxic, and more harmful to our kids – and families in Buckinghamshire are signalling that they’ve had enough.”

“Childhood should be about playing in real life with friends, being active outside, enjoying hobbies, and learning those crucial social skills that help make healthy, happy, resilient adults. It shouldn’t be spent doom-scrolling in isolation.”

The Government consultation is considering a range of measures, including the possibility of banning social media access for under-16s. Campaigners say the issue has become a growing concern for schools and parents alike.

Alongside the national petition, more than 4,900 Buckinghamshire parents have now signed a “Parent Pact”, agreeing to delay giving children smartphones until at least the age of 14 and social media access until 16.

Alexa, herself a Buckinghamshire parent, said: “A generation of children is being damaged by social media. Parents can see it. Schools can see it.”

Andy Cockburn, another regional lead, added: “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.”

He added: “Parents are coming together to delay smartphones and social media in their school communities, which makes it so much easier and means that your child isn’t left the only one without.”

The campaign is being organised by Smartphone Free Childhood, which describes itself as a grassroots movement of families across the UK.

With the consultation drawing to a close, campaigners say the message from families is clear.

“Responsibility needs to sit with the companies that design and profit from these platforms,” said Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood. “Until they can show their products are safe for children, they shouldn’t have access to them.”