We launched our Rage Against the Screen campaign because parents told us they felt powerless in the face of addictive-by-design social media, and increasingly concerned about the impact on their children’s mental health, sleep, self-esteem and wellbeing.
We are now asking parents to write to their MP to show their support for a UK social media ban for under-16s - and to urge Parliament to act decisively in the weeks ahead.
How to write to your MP about the social media ban
Writing to your MP takes just a few minutes — and it makes a real difference.
Find your MP’s email address using the Find your MP tool
Copy the email template below
Add a sentence or two about your own family or experience - personalised messages are more effective.
Include your postcode so your MP knows you’re a constituent
Email template: support a UK ban on social media for under-16s
(Please copy and personalise)
Subject: Please support a UK ban on social media for under-16s
Dear [MP’s name],
I am a constituent in [your constituency] and I am writing as a parent to ask you to support a ban on social media for under-16s.
Like many parents, I am increasingly concerned about the impact these platforms are having on children’s mental health, attention and attainment, at a stage when their brains are still developing.
While families try to set sensible limits, social media platforms are deliberately designed with addictive algorithms in order to keep kids hooked. In practice, it is almost impossible for parents to counter this using parental controls alone.
A legal age limit would not be perfect, but that has never been the test for public-health protections. We do not abandon age restrictions on alcohol or tobacco because some teenagers find ways around them — we maintain them because they reduce harm at scale and support parents in setting boundaries.
At present, social media is treated as normal for children, and the parent who says no risks isolating their child. A ban would reduce pressure on families and help protect children from avoidable harm.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. I would be very grateful to hear your views, and I hope you will support any legislation to this effect as Parliament considers this issue in the weeks ahead.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your postcode]
Why your voice matters
MPs pay close attention to messages from their constituents, particularly while a government consultation is under way and legislation is being debated.
By writing to your MP, you help show that parents across the UK want urgent, decisive action — and that concerns about social media and children are grounded in everyday family experience.
If you’ve written to your MP, please do share this page with other parents and encourage them to do the same.