Sussex parents support social media ban for under-sixteen

(MENAFN) Parents in Sussex have shown strong support for proposals to ban social media use among under-16s in the UK.

Those speaking to reports highlighted concerns that online platforms negatively affect young people’s mental health, ahead of a House of Lords vote on whether to introduce age restrictions. A campaign group indicated that thousands of local residents had contacted their MPs to urge government action.

While many parents welcomed stricter rules, some expressed caution that the measures might go too far. Rachel Greene, from Horsham, said she fully supports enforcing an age limit. “Kids should be out in nature, not on social media platforms constantly - I think it's really detrimental to their mental health,” she said. “Everyone needs to stand together and push for it and the government needs to do their bit too.”

Another local, John Masters, pointed to the volume of harmful misinformation online and stressed the need for someone to “sort it out.”

Campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) stated that roughly 7,000 emails had been sent to Sussex MPs in less than 48 hours, urging support for a proposed amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently under consideration in the House of Lords.

Sir Keir Starmer has previously indicated he is open to implementing an online age limit, a stance supported by senior Labour figures and members of other parties.

MENAFN19012026000045017640ID1110617785