It was not your fault

Can I make a claim myself?

If you are 18 or over, yes. You can register in your own name, and you do not need a parent to do it for you. It is free and confidential, and the eligibility check takes about two minutes. It looks at which apps you used, how old you were when you started, and how they affected you.

You do not need to have been a young child. Many people in their late teens and twenties used these apps heavily as children and are still dealing with the effects.

How long do I have?

There are time limits for claims, so it is worth finding out early. In England and Wales, the usual limit for a personal injury claim is three years from when the injury happened or, if later, from when you first knew it was significantly caused by someone else’s act or omission. For harm suffered as a child, the clock does not start until your 18th birthday, so the usual deadline is your 21st birthday, although the knowledge rule can change that and courts can sometimes allow a claim outside the limit. Other countries have different rules.

This is general information, not legal advice. A solicitor from one of our partner firms can tell you where you stand. Our questions and answers cover eligibility, cost and time limits in more detail.

If you are under 18

A child cannot usually bring a claim alone. A litigation friend, usually a parent or guardian, brings it for you, and the court normally has to approve any settlement. You can still be the one who starts the conversation. Showing them this page is a good first step, and there is a page for them too: guidance for parents.

What you can do now

Ask the apps for your data

You have a legal right to see the information the platforms hold about you, including what they showed you and how long you spent on them. Our free data request tool writes the letter for you.

Talk to your GP

If you have had anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, or struggles with body image, tell your GP. A record of how you have felt can matter later, and more importantly you deserve support now.

Understand what is known

Courts and regulators have already examined these platforms. The case sets out what has been found, and the court cases page lists the decisions so far. How it works explains each step of a claim.

If you are struggling right now

You do not have to wait for a claim to get help. Free, confidential support is available in the UK at any time:

Childline (under 19): 0800 1111
Shout: text 85258
Samaritans: 116 123
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999.

Outside the UK, findahelpline.com lists services by country.

YourSolicitor.com is a legal technology platform. We check eligibility, and legal services are provided by partner firms.