MPs to debate a petition relating to a minimum age on social media

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 24 February)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
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Tony Vaughan MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

"Introduce 16 as the minimum age for children to have social media"

The petition, which has more than 127,000 signatures, states: "We believe social media companies should be banned from letting children under 16 create social media accounts."

In its response to the petition, provided on 17 December 2024, the Government said: "The government is aware of the ongoing debate as to what age children should have smartphones and access to social media. The government is not currently minded to support a ban for children under 16."

Read the full response

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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