Mumsnet Launches Provocative Campaign for Total Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Key Takeaways
- ▸Mumsnet has launched a provocative national campaign featuring cigarette-style health warnings linking social media use to self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior in teens
- ▸The campaign calls for a total ban on social media for under-16s, with 92% of Mumsnet parents expressing concern about social media's effect on children's mental health
- ▸Mumsnet founder argues parents cannot "out-parent a business model built on addiction," shifting responsibility to policymakers and tech companies
Summary
UK parenting platform Mumsnet has launched a national advertising campaign calling for a complete ban on social media for children under 16. The campaign, titled "Rage Against the Screen," features stark health warnings styled after cigarette packet labels, highlighting links between social media use and mental health issues including self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior. The billboards and social media ads urge the public to contact their MPs demanding legislative action.
Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts emphasized that the issue extends beyond parenting failures, arguing that children are being exposed to products "deliberately designed to be addictive." Roberts stated that parents cannot "out-parent a business model built on addiction," calling on politicians to take decisive action rather than relying on guidance and better parenting. Research conducted among Mumsnet users in spring 2025 revealed that 92% of parents are concerned about social media's effect on children's mental health, with over 60% believing their child is addicted to their phone or social media.
The campaign comes as UK Prime Minister recently promised measures to curb under-16s' access to social media "in months, not years," though stopped short of committing to a total ban. The initiative has received support from young people with lived experience of mental health struggles, including student Sedona Jamieson, who described encountering harmful pro-anorexia and self-harm content when seeking support online at age 15. The campaign represents growing pressure on social media companies and policymakers to address concerns about youth digital addiction and mental health.
- UK Prime Minister has promised action on under-16s social media access "in months, not years," though a complete ban has not been confirmed
