93% of Parents Back Raising Digital Age of Consent From 13 to 16

New polling published ahead of votes on amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

By Rhiannon Evans | Last updated May 7, 2025

In a poll of more than 1000 Mumsnet users, 93% backed raising the digital age of consent from 13 to 16, as proposed in amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

The change would prevent social media companies from using the data of a child under the age of 16 to fuel addictive algorithm driven content on their platforms.

This follows previous research from Mumsnet which found that more than half of parents (58%) would be more likely to vote for a political party that committed to implementing a total ban on social media for under 16s.

Mumsnet's Rage Against the Screen campaign

We know Mumsnet users are deeply worried about the effect of smartphones and social media on their kids, and they want more support from the government to deal with it. Mumsnet's Rage Against the Screen campaign is pushing for more action to protect our children.

Find out more

Justine Roberts, Mumsnet founder and CEO, said:

“It's not just parents who are crying out for more support from politicians to help tackle the impact of social media on the still-developing brains of children - young people themselves are now demanding stronger safeguards.

"By raising the digital age of consent, the government can give families more control and help protect kids from the addictive algorithms that tech companies use to keep them hooked.

"Mumsnet users overwhelmingly back this proposed change. It's time for the government to stop deferring to Big Tech, listen to families and protect children".

Survey of 1074 Mumsnet users, 29th April -1st May 2025